Useful properties of saffron and its contraindications

If we refer to the Arabic language, then in translation 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 thousand plant units are used for 150 kg of saffron. Thus, from 1 hectare you can get only 20 kg of spice.

Since when saffron has been used for medicinal purposes can be judged by the find of archaeologists made in 2014. During excavations on an island in the Aegean Sea, scientists discovered ancient frescoes that are over 3500 years old. The frescoes depict a deity who heals people with the help of saffron.

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

Saffron – what is this spice and what does it taste like?

Saffron is a culinary spice, which is dried in a special way the stigmas of the most delicate purple flower of the saffron seed. We are more accustomed to the name “crocus” (lat. Crocus). For the preparation of spices, it is saffron that is suitable for planting, which pleases with flowering in the fall for 2-3 weeks.

Whole or powdered strands of saffron stigmas are used as spices. Saffron has a pronounced tart aroma, which captures sweet vanilla notes. One breath, and it is already impossible to forget this warm, herbal smell or confuse it with some other.

Saffron flavor can be described as a combination of bitter spice with a sweet aftertaste. Some gourmets describe it as the taste of bitter honey. Surprisingly, the taste of the seasoning is fully revealed in the dish gradually. You can fully feel the sophistication of spices 12-24 hours after preparation.

What does he look like?

Saffron stigmas look like threads up to 5 cm long. The spice has a special dark red or reddish-brown color. At the tips of the stigmas, yellow blotches of honey pollen are visible. If you hold such a thread between your fingers, there is some softness. High-quality saffron is an interweaving of stigmas, a kind of ball.

High quality spice is distinguished by some oiliness of the surface. It indicates that valuable essential oils have been preserved in processed saffron.

What kind of food is saffron used for?

Cooks love saffron for its versatility. It is perfect for first courses, side dishes, drinks and desserts. The pronounced taste of saffron is not lost during the heat treatment and gradually enriches the dish.

Proper preparation, compliance with the dosages of the seasoning provides the dishes with a sweetish aftertaste, a feeling of a floral aftertaste. Excessive amount of spice will spoil the dish, give it an unpleasant bitterness.

Thrifty cooks have figured out how to use this valuable spice economically and conveniently – by preparing saffron water or oil. For this, several saffron stigmas are added to a bottle with 50-100 ml of water or 30-50 ml of any refined vegetable oil. The product is allowed to brew for several days and is then used to prepare gourmet dishes.

Why is saffron the most expensive spice in the world?

Saffron differs from all other spices not just in high, but in a breathtakingly high price – up to $ 1000 per 1 gram. The cost of the spice is due to a number of factors, the main of which is that saffron is cultivated exclusively by humans, does not occur in the wild, and blooms only once a year.

In the short flowering period, workers have to harvest hundreds of thousands of crocus heads by hand. The collection takes place exclusively in the pre-morning time, as sunlight destroys the valuable components of flower stigmas.

Next comes the process of separating the threads of the crocus from the flower. There are only three stigmas in one crocus. To obtain 1 gram of spice, 150 saffron flowers should be carefully processed.

Medicinal properties influenced the formation of the cost of saffron. Folk, traditional medicine has proven that the regular use of saffron in the composition of dishes helps to cope with cancer. In some cases, tumors stop growing or a regression mechanism is triggered – their reverse development.

One reason for the high price of saffron is its short shelf life. The impossibility of preserving the seasoning is due to the oxidation processes that natural antioxidant components undergo. Long-term storage of saffron completely nullifies its medicinal value.

[Video] This is what will happen to you if you add saffron to your diet:

9 Proven Health Benefits of Saffron

1 Positively affects the emotional state

Previously, researchers believed that the second name of saffron – “solar spice” – comes from the color of the spice. Now this definition has received a new explanation, as saffron is able to improve mood.

Data from several independent studies have shown that saffron consumption is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depressive disorders. When using placebo, similar data could not be obtained.  ^[5].

The traditional approach in the treatment of depression involves the use of imipramine, fluoxetine, citalopram. It turned out that 30 grams of saffron per day has the same effect as the listed drugs. The main advantage of saffron, in comparison with other methods of treatment, is the almost complete absence of side effects.  ^[6],  ^[7],  ^[8].

Studies have shown that saffron petals also have antidepressant properties. The use of supplements based on them is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression  ^[9].

2 Has anti-cancer effect

The main property of antioxidants is to neutralize the destructive effect of free radicals on the cells of internal organs. According to scientists, the occurrence of cancer and other severe chronic diseases is associated precisely with the activity of free radicals. Saffron contains substances that have a strong antioxidant effect.

Laboratory experiments have shown that the bioactive compound of saffron – crocin (a water-soluble carotenoid) kills altered cells in colon cancer, deprives the tumor of the ability to develop, but does not affect healthy cells.  ^[10]. In a 2017 study, crocin reduced lung metastasis by 85%.

Additional studies have confirmed the antitumor effect on the skin, bone marrow cells, prostate, lungs, cervix, mammary glands  ^[11].

Taking saffron during chemotherapy courses has a positive therapeutic effect. The study of crocin showed that this powerful antioxidant increases the sensitivity of altered tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents.  ^[12].

3 Alleviates symptoms of premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a set of specific symptoms before the onset of the menstrual cycle. PMS affects the physical, emotional and psychological component of the female body. Scientists have found that saffron can alleviate or completely eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

One study involved women between the ages of 20 and 45, who were divided into two groups. The first group received 30 mg of saffron every day, the second received a placebo. Participants in the experimental group noted relief of PMS symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and anxiety.  ^[13].

In another study, it turned out that inhaling the aroma of saffron for at least 20 minutes stops the manifestations of anxiety, nervousness, and reduces the level of cortisol in the blood, which is responsible for stress.  ^[14].

4 Has aphrodisiac properties

Traditionally, aphrodisiacs are biological supplements or foods that stimulate sexual desire. It has been experimentally proven that saffron has the qualities of an aphrodisiac. Especially clearly the stimulating effect is observed in people taking antidepressants.

The study showed that men taking 30 mg of saffron daily experienced an increase in erectile function after four weeks. Participants in the control group, who received placebo along with antidepressants, complained of decreased erection as a side effect of the drugs.  ^[15].

An analysis of the results of six studies led to the conclusion that the use of saffron has a positive effect on libido, erectile function, overall sexual satisfaction, but cannot improve sperm quality.  ^[16].

A separate study was devoted to the effect of saffron on the sexual desire of women on the background of antidepressant therapy. It turned out that regular intake of 30 mg of saffron for a month can increase libido, reduce pain during sex. No similar changes were seen in the placebo group.  ^[17].

5 Reduces appetite, helps to reduce weight

Harmless, at first glance, the habit of snacking during the day can become a serious problem and provoke a set of extra pounds. Saffron will help reduce the frequency of snacking, reduce appetite.

Scientists offered women supplements with saffron for eight weeks. All participants noted a long-term, persistent feeling of satiety, less snacking during the day and weight loss. In the control group, women did not experience this from taking a placebo.  ^[18].

During another two-month experiment, participants took saffron extract supplements. All subjects showed a decrease in waist circumference, a decrease in weight, body mass index and normalization of appetite.  ^[19].

There is another opinion regarding the ability of saffron to influence weight. Some scientists believe that in fact, the spice cannot reduce appetite or help with weight loss. The fact is that saffron helps to improve the emotional, psychological state, which means that the desire to snack disappears.

6 Reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases

Preliminary animal experiments have shown that the powerful antioxidants contained in saffron improve the condition of the vascular walls. In parallel with this, there is a decrease in total cholesterol, which greatly reduces the risk of blockage of blood vessels by plaques.  ^[20],  ^[21],  ^[22].

7 May control blood sugar levels

An experiment on mice with diabetes mellitus showed that oral use of saffron extract can lower blood glucose levels. At the same time, there is an increase in insulin sensitivity.  ^[23],  ^[24].

8 Improves vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration

Free radicals aggressively contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Saffron antioxidants protect against pathological processes associated with free radicals, improve vision  ^[25],  ^[26],  ^[27].

9 Helps improve memory in Alzheimer’s patients

Antioxidants in Saffron May Improve Cognitive Function, Memory in Adults Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease  ^[28].

The use of saffron in medicine

The traditional system of Indian medicine (Ayurveda) indicates that saffron is a spice useful for all people without exception. It should be eaten in order to improve the body, as well as improve the condition of the blood.

It is not enough just to add saffron to food.

With it, you can prepare healthy drinks and drugs:

• It is useful to drink milk with saffron (a glass of drink and a pinch of spice) for impotence, inflammation of the bronchi, pain in the sternum.

• You can make tea with saffron. For 500 ml of boiling water, a pinch of spice is required. On the day you need to drink 3 cups of ready-made tea, drink a drink half an hour before meals. Once brewed threads can be poured with boiling water again. Saffron tea is useful for the restoration of hepatocytes, for the lungs and bronchi, for the heart and nervous system.

• Honey with saffron. 100 g of honey is heated in a water bath, pre-ground saffron stigmas (50 pieces) 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. Extra nutrition makes the skin “glow and shine” from the inside.

You can independently enrich masks and creams with saffron. Spice is good to add 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.

• Recipe number 1. Mask for the face: Mix a pinch of saffron with a teaspoon of sour cream and honey. Apply to clean face, keep for 20 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water. The effect is radiant and hydrated 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 each of cinnamon and powdered ginger to the scrub. After thorough mixing, drop by drop of essential oils of lemon, orange and dill are added to the finished scrub.

Before using the scrub, you need to take a shower, steaming 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 a reduction in body fat, getting rid of cellulite, removing excess fluid and toxins. The skin will become more even and toned. The procedure can be repeated 2 times a week.

To whom is saffron contraindicated?

Saffron, when consumed in large quantities, can cause severe poisoning. Do not add spice to dishes intended for an evening meal.

Avoid saffron during pregnancy. You can not 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 “play” with new flavors and colors.

3 ways to consume saffron

In cooking, saffron is used to add flavor, aroma, and to decorate dishes. The required type of seasoning is indicated in the recipes. Saffron threads will give a more presentable look to the finished dish. If you want to enhance the aroma, give a special taste to the products, use ground spice.

Chefs share their secrets to using saffron in cooking to unlock the full potential of this amazing spice:

• Infusion of saffron. Liquid saffron can be prepared as an additive to dishes. To do this, it is enough to pour the crushed seasoning into a glass container and add from 3 to 5 tablespoons of boiling water. You can use white wine, vinegar. The dishes are covered with a lid and infused for about 10 minutes. Liquid saffron will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks. Seasoning in this form is added to the dish at the end of cooking to give a special taste and aroma.

• Saffron with milk. To prepare the drink, take 250 ml of boiled milk, a pinch of saffron. A little sugar can be added depending on taste preferences.

Of course, it is best to buy saffron in the form of threads. This will prevent you from acquiring a fake (although the threads themselves are also made using food coloring). For more economical use, saffron threads can be ground in a mortar and pestle. In case the spice is not completely dried, add a little sugar – this will make it easier to grind, but will not detract from the taste.

Ways to use in cooking

From a variety of recipes, we have selected the most effective, healthy and delicious uses for saffron:

• To improve the taste of the fish, prepare a marinade with the addition of vinegar, garlic, thyme and saffron.

• Ground saffron will give pastries a golden hue, cakes, cookies and cakes will acquire a delicate aroma.

• If you want to surprise your guests, prepare an Indian dish of biryani, which includes rice, meat or fish and be sure to combine saffron with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg.

• Saffron adds amazing flavor to familiar drinks. Champagne, apple cider thanks to saffron turn into a real elixir. Coffee with cardamom and saffron acquires soothing, heart-healing qualities. If you want to try something similar to the Indian lassi drink, add ground saffron and a pinch of cinnamon to milk, yogurt with honey.

Saffron Dosage and Side Effects

It has been found that some side effects can be caused by increasing the dosage of saffron. When taking more than 5 grams of spice per day, symptoms of intoxication are observed:

• Dizziness.

• Headache.

• Lack of appetite.

• Weakness.

• Impaired kidney function.

• Breathing disorder.

Pregnant women are not recommended to exceed more than 5 grams of saffron per day. If this dosage is exceeded, there is a risk of uterine contractions, which can lead to miscarriage. Very little is known about the effect of saffron on an infant receiving mother’s milk, so the spice is not recommended for breastfeeding.

Conclusions about the dangers of saffron for expectant mothers are made on the basis of data from experiments with laboratory animals. Naturally, no one will initiate dangerous research involving pregnant women.

How to distinguish real saffron from a fake?

Counterfeits of saffron are very common. Fraudsters make a lot of efforts to “turn” other spices into the most expensive spice in the world. Anything is called saffron, but not the stigmas of a valuable crocus. How to understand that in front of you is a fake?

First of all, pay attention to the name and color of the proposed product:

• Indian saffron – nothing more than crushed turmeric. It belongs to the ginger family and has a pungent taste similar to ginger. Turmeric contains the pigment curcumin, which gives it its characteristic rich yellow color. It does not contain carotenoids like saffron. Of course, turmeric is very popular, it is part of almost all Indian dishes. It even has some medicinal properties, but they cannot compete with the special qualities of saffron. Turmeric, as a spice, is prepared from stems and rhizomes, which is why it costs much less than the valuable stigmas of saffron seed.

• Mexican saffron – a spice that is produced from the petals of the herbaceous flowering plant safflower. Safflower or saffron belongs to the aster family. The spice contains pigments – yellow safflower gel and red carthamine. Safflower oil is of great value.

• Imereti Saffron – a rather romantic name for a seasoning that is obtained from the flowers of marigolds (Chernobrivtsy). Low plants, whose orange-yellow flowers resemble pompoms, belong to the aster family. Marigolds are common in Latin America, the Caucasus. They are used as an obligatory component of hop-suneli seasoning. Imeretian saffron has a completely different taste and aroma.

To protect yourself from buying a fake, choose saffron in the form of threads. Counterfeits are most often sold in powdered form. Manufacturers who value their original product package “red gold” in tightly closed glass jars. Given the high cost of real saffron, it is rare that one package contains more than 1 gram of spice.

If you doubt the value of the purchased saffron, give it a “test”. Take a small pinch of spice and pour hot water over it. A yellow coloration of the water will confirm that the saffron is real. If the water turns dark orange, then you have a fake in your hands.

[Video] Ayurvedic Dr. Vivek Joshi – How to tell real from fake saffron: