Saffron is a spice derived from the saffron rose, a perennial plant related to the lily; also, it has a scientific name Crocus sativus. Crocus means thread in Greek, referring to the appearance of its stamens; saffron is derived from the word Safra, which means yellow in Arabic.
Saffron is one of the most expensive plants in the world and belongs to the Iris family.
This is due to its difficulty in harvesting. It requires many labors for harvest in traditional and arduous ways.
To produce a half kilogram of saffron may need to consume 75,000 flowers of saffron.
Now we will move to Saffron’s benefits:
1 – A source of high nutritional values
Some research has shown that the saffron-active substance, known as Safranal, as well as a combination of antioxidants, make saffron a strong anti-cancer role, as well as anti-spam, depression, and insomnia.
Its richness in manganese helps regulate blood sugar, regulates carbohydrate metabolism, and absorption of calcium.
It also helps to form tissues, bones and sex hormones and is an important source of iron for the formation of hemoglobin and contributes to promoting cell nutrition in the body and transport oxygen and waste disposal.
Because of the containing of vitamin C and carotenoids makes it an advantage in fighting infection. Its vitamin B6 content helps to form red blood cells and promotes nerve function. Potassium helps to balance body fluids and control blood pressure and promote the work of nerves.
2 – Treatment of asthma
Asthma patients usually suffer from shortness of breath and the inability to enter the air. Eating saffron may contribute to the expansion of the trachea in the asthma patient, which helps make the breathing process easier.
3-Fighting depression
Eating saffron properly may have positive effects on your mood and may contribute to the treatment of depression. This may be mainly due to its useful substances of potassium and B6.
In addition to increasing the blood flow to the brain, Serotonin increases the production of Serotonin, a hormone known as the body’s happiness hormone, which improves mood.
Saffron enters into the installation of some popular prescription drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression.
4-Sleep disorders
Eating saffron helps relax and calm the nerves, which contributes to the treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders thanks to its content of potassium and some substances with sedative properties.
Add a little saffron to a cup of hot milk and drink it before bed to collect this benefit.
5-Combating cancer
According to research, saffron may be effective in the fight against cancer, due to its content of active substances and strong antioxidants.
6-Promotion of sexual health
There is some evidence that eating saffron may help treat some sexual problems and infertility problems in men.
Some studies suggest that eating saffron may reduce erectile dysfunction and increase its duration and number.
Other studies have suggested that saffron may help improve sperm function.
7-Benefits of saffron for the heart and arteries
Saffron may be very useful for heart and blood pressure patients if done moderately. Its high content of copper, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, and magnesium makes it play an important role.
Potassium is an important component of blood pressure regulation and maintenance. It is also responsible for fluid balance in cells and is essential for heart function and rhythm regulation. The saffron content of antioxidants and selenium contributes to the prevention of oxidation of cholesterol and prevents inflammation that may lead to cardiovascular disease.
Studies recommend that people who are susceptible to atherosclerosis to eat saffron as it reduces the chances of atherosclerosis, as saffron acts as an antioxidant and promotes the flow of blood and circulatory system throughout the body.
8-Benefits of saffron for the eye :
A group of Italian scientists from the ARC Center at Excellence in Vision Science and the University of L’Aquila founded that saffron can be a treatment for vision loss caused by aging, and helps treat some eye diseases.
It is found that the saffron has a significant effect on the genes that regulate the basic vision cells of the eye and protects the photoreceptors from damage. It may also play a role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis.
9-Benefits of saffron during pregnancy:
Help digestion which is usually slow during pregnancy.
Calm the acidity of the stomach.
Improve your mood.
Lower blood pressure.
Treat some digestive problems such as constipation.
Get rid of puff and gases.
Fight morning sickness.
Prevents cramps.
Anemia is fought by its iron content.
Promotes sleep and prevents insomnia.
It relieves inflammation and fights cough, asthma and some allergic symptoms that may affect the pregnant woman.
Promotes hair growth.
Source of some essential nutritional values during pregnancy such as folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and C.
10-Relieves Pain
Its pain-relieving attribute is among its most valuable assets. Its volatile compound safranal acts as a sedative and helps cure toothaches.
