Saffron (spice) - Useful Properties, Recipes And Contraindications

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Useful properties of saffron and its contraindications

If we refer to the Arabic language, then translated from it saffron (azafran) sounds like yellow-leaved. Although the origin of the Arabic word "azafran" most likely has ancient Eastern roots, as indicated by the Akkadian designation for saffron - "azupiranu".

Since ancient times, saffron has been considered a universal natural medicine that helps to get rid of almost all diseases. The cost of this spice is quite high. However, this is not surprising, because to obtain 1 g of seasoning, 150 crocus flowers are needed. It is easy to calculate that 1 kg of saffron takes 150 thousand units of a plant. Thus, from 1 hectare, you can get only 20 kg of spice.

How long has saffron been used for medicinal purposes can be judged by an archaeological find made in 2014. During excavations on an island in the Aegean Sea, scientists discovered ancient frescoes that are more than 3500 years old. The frescoes depict a deity who heals people with saffron.

Although not all ancient countries knew about the medicinal properties of the spice. For example, in ancient Iran, they did not even think of eating it, but used it as a dye for materials.

Content:

• Saffron application
• On the beneficial properties of saffron, the composition of the spice
• The use of saffron in medicine
• Saffron for female beauty
• Who is saffron contraindicated for?

Saffron application

Saffron is widely used by culinary masters. Spice is added to soups, it perfectly sets off the taste of fish and meat, adds piquancy to desserts and pastries. Saffron makes the dish more aromatic and its taste much richer. In addition, the spice produces a beautiful golden hue.

Saffron is a spice that has a slightly bitter taste and specific aroma. The saffron stigma is used to give confectionery a pleasant smell. They are also used in the preparation of liqueur, sausages and cheeses.

The spice can be added to preserve food. Foods that have been added with saffron will last a few days longer.

Recent studies have found that saffron has anticancer effects and can be used to treat cancer patients. Crocetic acid, derived from saffron, is harmful to cancer stem cells that attack the pancreas.

Saffron has been proven to be effective in treating depression.

On the beneficial properties of saffron, the composition of the spice

If we consider the calorie content of saffron, then it is quite high. So, 100 g of the finished spice contains 310 kcal. However, saffron is consumed in very small portions, so the calorie content in this case does not matter. Eating a large amount of saffron in a person will not work in principle. Large doses of the spice pose a health hazard, can provoke increased nervous excitement and even lead to death.

Saffron is a poisonous condiment. Only 0.5 g of spice taken at a time will lead to severe poisoning. Moreover, even the provision of emergency medical care is not a guarantee that the victim's life will be saved.

Therefore, 2 to 5 saffron stigmas are added to the dish. For comparison, 1 g contains 400 of them.

The spice contains a certain amount of fats and proteins, but most of all carbohydrates (about 62%). Saffron is enriched with saturated fatty acids and dietary fiber. It contains vitamins A, B vitamins, ascorbic acid. The spice is rich in potassium, it also contains phosphorus, sodium, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, selenium, manganese.

Moving on to the beneficial qualities of saffron, the following can be noted:

• Improving digestive processes.
• Anesthetic effect.
• Fight against drowsiness, depression, bad mood.
• Cleansing the blood.
• Adjusting the menstrual cycle.

Effects that can be obtained by consuming saffron regularly:

• Getting rid of hematological diseases.
• Cleansing liver cells.
• Cleaning the bile ducts.
• Improving the condition of the facial skin.
• Increased physical activity, a surge of strength.
• Improved mood.

It has been proven that the regular inclusion of saffron in the menu speeds up the healing process from any disease by 5-8 times!

Saffron is a practically miraculous spice. It is difficult to list all of its beneficial properties, and the further science develops, the more scientists make discoveries related to the medicinal qualities of saffron.

Here are just a few of them:

• Treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
• Improving the performance of the brain.
• Stimulation of cell growth and renewal. Due to this, the condition of nails, hair, skin is improved.
• Renewal of blood cells.
• Improving the conduction of nerve impulses.
• Decreased appetite, resulting in weight loss.
• Restoration of cells of the liver, spleen, kidneys.
• Endocrine system disease treatment.
• Reduced cravings for alcoholic beverages.
• Reducing the severity of allergic reactions.

• Treatment of dermatological diseases.
• Providing an antispasmodic effect.
• Reducing fermentation processes in the intestine.
• Treatment and prevention of infertility.
• Increased potency.
• Adjusting the menstrual cycle.
• Treatment of cough and bronchial asthma.
• Getting rid of neurotic disorders and depression.

Surprisingly, even the mainstream medicine does not deny the beneficial properties of saffron. No doctor would dispute that the spice actually has medicinal potential. Moreover, it can be used both in combination with other drugs, and as an independent medication of natural origin. The only condition is regular use.

The use of saffron in medicine

The traditional system of Indian medicine (Ayurveda) indicates that saffron is a beneficial spice for all people without exception. It needs to be eaten to heal the body and improve the condition of the blood.

It is not enough just to add saffron to food.

With him you can prepare healthy drinks and potions:

• It is useful to drink milk with saffron (a glass of drink and a pinch of spice) with impotence, with inflammation of the bronchi, with pain in the sternum.
• You can brew tea with saffron. A pinch of spice is required for 500 ml of boiling water. You need to drink 3 glasses of ready-made tea per day, drink the drink half an hour before meals. Once welded, the threads can be poured with boiling water again. Saffron tea is useful for the recovery of hepatocytes, for the lungs and bronchi, for the heart and nervous system.
• Saffron honey. 100 g of honey is heated in a water bath, pre-grated saffron stigmas (50 pcs.) Are stirred in it. Saffron honey is consumed in a teaspoon 3 times a day before meals. If the disease has a severe and prolonged course, then the amount of honey can be increased to a tablespoon.

Saffron for female beauty

It is quite logical that saffron is used not only for treatment, but also for rejuvenation. Manufacturers add it to creams, lotions, balms, serums, masks, shampoos. Thanks to saffron, the skin condition improves, it becomes softer and more hydrated. Additional nourishment makes the skin "glow and glow" from within.

You can independently enrich masks and creams with saffron. It is good to add spice to body scrubs. The main thing is not to use it in large quantities. A pinch of saffron is enough to enrich a tube of cream.

It should be noted that saffron contains orange coloring pigments.

• Recipe number 1. Face mask: Mix a pinch of saffron with a teaspoon of sour cream and honey. Apply to clean face skin, soak for 20 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water. The effect is radiant and moisturized skin.
• Recipe number 2. Body scrub: Mix corn grits with a tablespoon of honey, a tablespoon of oatmeal and a pinch of saffron. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and powdered ginger to the scrub. After thorough mixing, add a drop of lemon, orange and dill essential oil to the finished scrub.

Before using the scrub, you need to take a shower, steam the skin well. Then the resulting composition is applied to the body and all areas are carefully worked out until the dermis turns slightly red and begins to pulsate.

The effect is to reduce the fat layer, get rid of cellulite, remove excess fluid and toxins. The skin will become smoother and more toned. The procedure can be repeated 2 times a week.

Who is saffron contraindicated for?

Saffron, when consumed in large quantities, can cause severe poisoning. Do not add spice to evening meals.

Saffron is best avoided during pregnancy. You cannot often include it in your menu for people with diabetes and hypertension.

The main condition that must be observed when cooking with saffron is not to add too much of it. Just a pinch of spice will be enough for the dish to "sparkle" with new flavors and colors.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).