New Delhi: Saffron is the golden-coloured and pungent stigma of the autumn crocus. It is dried to flavour and colour food and other products. It tastes harsh and has a strong, foreign fragrance. While its exact origins are debated, it is most likely that saffron originated in Iran where it was highly regarded for its therapeutic qualities in Iran. Saffron was consumed to lift mood and sharpen memory.


Saffron, not just enhances the taste and gives a nice colour to your dishes, but there are numerous health benefits as well that are associated with Saffron. It is found to be useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer and cancer-causing chemicals. It is also believed to help prevent the development of insulin resistance, which could aid in the management of diabetes.


Additionally, Saffron may also aid with respiratory issues such as colds, coughing, and asthma, as well as other lung disorders. Finally, saffron may be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism. 


Listed below are a few health benefits of saffron:


1. Helps To Enhance Mood:


Saffron, also known as "sunshine spice," helps to improve your mood. It's because of safranal, which is an antioxidant. Saffron is used in several supplements because it is useful for treating mild-to-moderate depression. Furthermore, such supplement-based treatments have no negative effects.


2. Reduces Blood Pressure And Prevents Heart Diseases:


According to studies, the antioxidants in saffron can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Saffron contains flavonoids, including lycopene, which can provide further protection.


Potassium is abundant in saffron. As a result, regular consumption of saffron aids in the dilation of blood vessels. It also removes blockages from your arteries. As a result, saffron reduces blood pressure and helps to prevent cardiac arrests and strokes. It also helps to decrease cholesterol. Furthermore, the presence of crocetin reduces the amount of bad or dangerous cholesterol in your blood.


3. Helps In Digestion:


Saffron may be beneficial for digestive difficulties such as flatulence and indigestion. It may also aid in the treatment of amoebic dysentery. Saffron may help with digestion, but it's always advisable to consult a doctor if you're experiencing digestive issues.


4. Helps To Lose Weight:


According to a study on a group of women, saffron may assist to reduce appetite and the frequency of snacking. The study discovered that ingesting saffron made women feel less hungry and snack less frequently. This could be due to saffron's ability to control levels of the appetite hormone ghrelin. If you're attempting to lose weight, including saffron in your diet may help you stay on track.


5. It Also Has Skin Care Benefits:


Apart from its culinary uses, saffron has a number of beauty benefits. The anti-inflammatory substance nourishes your skin, leaving it blemish-free. As a result, saffron is a main ingredient in many beauty creams and other cosmetic items. It offers the skin a radiant appearance and softens it. It is related to the antioxidant qualities of saffron, as are all other benefits. It also helps in:



  • Skin lightening and texture improvement

  • Pigmentation

  • Scar removal

  • Blemish and acne treatment


An easy and healthy recipe with saffron is Saffron Milk which you might incorporate into your diet.


Ingredients:



  • Milk: 3 cups

  • Saffron Strands: 15


Preparation:


The milk is boiled and to it, saffron strands are added. It is then mixed well and simmered for 4 to 5 minutes. Your saffron milk is ready to be served.