What are the benefits of saffron?

Saffron is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory action. Thus, it helps in the treatment of all inflammations of the human body and can also be used for other purposes, such as regulating the menstrual cycle and helping with constipation.

In general, saffron is bought in natural products stores, but it can also be found in places such as pharmacies, fairs and markets. However, it is worth pointing out that real saffron, that is, the one that has not undergone chemical processes, has a little high cost.

Below, the benefits of saffron will be commented in more detail. Want to know more about the plant and how it can help you? Keep reading the article to find out!

About saffron

Originated in Greece, saffron is currently used around the world for culinary purposes and also as a medicinal plant. It has a pleasant aroma and a pronounced flavor, so it does not please all palates.

However, it has excellent nutritional value and a very rich chemical composition. Want to add saffron to your routine and learn more about the origins and properties of the plant? Read on!

Origin of saffron

Saffron originated in Greece and was first found in the palace of Minos, located in Crete, around 1700 or 1600 B.C. According to historical accounts, Emperor Nero had the streets carpeted with this plant during his presentation to the Greek people.

Later, the contact of Spain with the Arab peoples made saffron to be spread in the rest of Europe. However, the version used in those places should not be confused with turmeric, which Brazilians usually also call saffron.

Aroma of saffron

Due to its pleasant smells, saffron is often used in cooking as a flavoring for various dishes, such as the traditional Spanish paella. In general, the aroma of the plant can be described as sweet, floral and spicy at the same time.

Thus, because of these characteristics, many people also usually associate its gastronomic uses to the cuisines of Mediterranean countries. Besides Spain, it is possible to find saffron being used in a series of dishes of Italian origin. It is worth mentioning that the spice must be used in small quantities due to its intense smell.

Chemical composition

Saffron has a quite rich chemical composition, which justifies its benefits for several distinct parts of the human body. Thus, it has the presence of crocetin, pyrocrocrocin, dimethyl and crocins. It also has the presence of curcumin, a yellow-orange oil responsible for its coloring.

In addition, it is worth mentioning the curcuminoid compounds, such as atlatone, diaryl-heptanoids, zingiberone and tumerone. All these substances are considered active ingredients of the plant, which also has sugars, proteins, resins, mineral salts and vitamins.

Nutritional value of saffron

In its powder version, the most common found in supermarkets and most used by Brazilians, saffron has the following nutritional values in a 7g serving considering the daily needs of an adult person and based on a 2000 kcal diet:

Energetic value: 24kcal

Carbohydrates: 4g

Proteins: 1g

Total fat: 1g

Saturated fats: 0g

Trans fats: 0g

Dietary fiber: 1g

Sodium: 3mg

It is worth noting that the daily values vary from person to person depending on their energy needs.

Health benefits of saffron

From fighting depression to relieving PMS symptoms, saffron is able to promote several health benefits. Thus, it is present in the diets of many people today, even though it is considered the most expensive spice in the world due to its difficulties in production and obtaining.

More details about the benefits of saffron will be commented on below. Want to know more about how this plant can positively impact your health? Read more about it below!

Fighting depression

Saffron helps combat a number of mental illnesses, depression being one of the main ones. This is associated with the presence of carotenoids in the composition of the plant, especially crocin and safranal. Both have antioxidant properties, as well as being free collectors of the presence of free radicals.

Thus, it can act as a powerful antidepressant in the opinion of several doctors. However, it is important to emphasize that the plant alone cannot be considered a treatment for the disease, so consulting a qualified professional is indispensable.

Fighting Alzheimer's disease

Due to its anti-inflammatory powers, saffron can act to combat diseases such as Alzheimer's. This is because chronic diseases that are related to inflammatory processes can become deadly, as is the case of Alzheimer's. Thus, the consumption of this plant is beneficial as prevention.

Saffron has the ability to inhibit some molecules as well as enzymes that are responsible for these chronic inflammations, which justifies its benefits for fighting a degenerative disease as serious as Alzheimer's.

Improves vision

According to some recent research, saffron has significant effects on the genes responsible for regulating the performance of the functions of the eye. Thus, it acts to protect photoreceptors, which are key parts in vision, from damage. However, these are not its only benefits in this sense.

Also according to recent researches, saffron is able to delay some conditions related to vision, such as macular pigmentation, which is directly related to the age of degeneration (AMD) and retinitis. Therefore, it is indicated as dietary supplementation for people who present such conditions.

Relieves the effects of PMS

The positive effects of turmeric on PMS symptoms can be felt due to the presence of the compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and also analgesic effects. In this way, it combats primary dysmenorrhea, popularly known as menstrual pain.

Therefore, consumption can be beneficial for women who usually suffer with more intense PMS symptoms, since this period is able to cause a number of different pains due to the changes that happen in the female body.

Reduces menstrual cramps

According to some researches, saffron, when used in teas, can be extremely positive to reduce the occurrence of menstrual cramps, a nightmare for many women. Thus, it is enough that the plant is mixed with other herbs that also act in this sense and spices that have similar functions.

In this sense, it is worth noting that cinnamon, rosemary, basil and lavender can be combined with saffron to fight colic. To do this, simply boil water, add the herbs and leave it this way for five minutes. After that, leave it to infuse for 10 minutes and wait to warm up.

Reduction of blood pressure

Saffron can also act positively on issues related to blood pressure. This happens because it has a beneficial effect on the issue of platelet aggregation. That is, it is able to thin the blood and facilitate its passage through the vessels. Thus, it helps with blood pressure.

This is directly linked to the issue of reducing the chances of heart disease. Due to its antioxidant properties, saffron is able to fight free radicals, which are responsible for atherosclerosis conditions.

Sexual function

According to some recent studies, both women and men who go through times of reduced libido can benefit from saffron. In the case of men, the benefits are so intense that the use of the plant can even help with the issue of erectile dysfunction.

Thus, the mode of use to get all these advantages should be prolonged. For four weeks, people consumed about 15 mg of saffron daily. That way, their sexual function will be restored.

Immune Response

Currently, some nutritionists recommend the use of saffron combined with other plants to improve immune response. This is done through a juice, called immunity shot by the professionals concerned.

It has small but concentrated doses of plants that have important vitamins and minerals for the body. These mixtures, in general, have antioxidant function due to the presence of saffron. When combined with lemon, ginger, propolis and glutamine, which are also regular presences in these shots, it has its positive effects enhanced.

Physical disposition

According to a Brazilian study, saffron has the power to improve physical disposition. The research was based on the performance of 28 professional athletes in the race and indicated that the consumption of the plant during meals makes the practitioners of physical activities feel more willing. The duration of the study was 1 month.

This happened due to the increase in anti-inflammatory activities of the research participants, which was noticed by the scholars within 24 h. In addition, they also even observed the reduction of a marker of muscle damage, myoglobin.

Cardiac function

The protection of the heart functions of the body is one of the benefits of saffron. In this sense, it is possible to state that the planet is able to help due to the way it fights the accumulation of "bad cholesterol" in the body. This protects the heart because it prevents the clogging of the arteries and, consequently, of occurrences such as heart attacks and strokes.

In addition, some recent scientific findings highlight the fact that saffron can also help fight heart failure. So, people who have pre-existing conditions should use it in their diet.

Against anxiety

The presence of carotenoids, such as safranal and crocin, acts to combat anxiety. This happens since the highlighted components have antioxidant action and also have selective collectors of free radicals. Thus, the plant can help control the symptoms of anxiety.

However, as in the case of any mental disorder, it is necessary to count on the help of a qualified professional, who will monitor the patient's evolution and make the necessary adjustments to the treatment.

Weight loss

Saffron is able to help regulate blood sugar levels. Thus, it ensures that the body will always be in good working order. In addition, the plant also has direct action on fat-breaking issues, so it can significantly help in weight loss.

Therefore, a number of experts ensure that the simple consumption of saffron is able to help a person lose 4kg in 21 days. To achieve these results just include the spice in the diet or make use of it through medication, such as capsules.

Magic properties of saffron

Some people believe that saffron, in addition to positively impacting the health of people who consume it, has magical properties. Thus, the planet would be able to help in financial matters, to overcome difficult situations and even attract energies from Venus, the Goddess of Love.

These aspects will be duly commented on below. Want to know more about the magical properties of saffron? Just continue reading the article to find out all about it!

Help with finances

Through a bath it is possible to get financial help from the saffron. To do this, you will need a pinch of turmeric and one of nutmeg. So, just boil two liters of water and add the spices. Let it boil for a minute and then turn off the heat. The water should be placed in a container and remain in this until it comes to room temperature.

Finally, the infusion should be thrown during the bath, only from the neck down. It is necessary to mentalize the financial prosperity or even a new job opportunity. Then just let the body dry naturally.

Against difficult situations

Saffron can be used by people who are going through difficult situations. In this regard, you just need to put some of its powdered version in a small glass with a lid, along with cinnamon, bay leaf, black earth and brown sugar. Then, you should shake the jar well so that the ingredients are mixed together.

After that, the mixture should be placed in the sun for half an hour and taken to a place in which you have contact with nature. Afterwards, simply recite "the magic of the fairies I take with me, illuminated by their power, this powder will bring joy to my home". Finally, leave an apple as a thank you on the spot and leave.

Helps to find a job

People who want to get a new job can use saffron to achieve this feat. To do this, just use the plant together with a white or yellow candle. Then, light the candle and throw on the flame a little saffron.

This attitude will help to enhance the request that was made. In addition, it is possible to increase personal power by taking a little saffron with the index or middle finger and passing it on the forehead, on the tip of the tongue and in the navel. The ritual should be done before bedtime and will help in success in interviews because it increases personal brightness.

Attracts Venus energies

Saffron can also be used to attract the energies of Venus. This happens due to its ability to promote healing in the sexual sense as well. Therefore, for these benefits to be obtained, those who wish to make use of this magical property of the plant need to follow its scientific specifications.

This is because it is impossible to attract these energies before getting the cure for physical problems. So, one must first think about this aspect before doing any kind of ritual to find a new love or even to live romantic adventures.

What is the great power of saffron?

Saffron has several medicinal and magical properties that can help anyone. However, among all of them, the one that stands out the most is the antioxidant function of the plant, which is able to act in the fight against several different diseases, besides favoring the fight against free radicals, responsible for aging.

So, even though the spice is the highest cost spice in the whole world, it is worth finding ways to include it in your routine. This can be easily done through diet, since saffron has several gastronomic uses. However, those who do not like its taste or flavor, can also use it in the form of capsules.