All About Saffron: It’s Benefits, Uses, Nutrition and Side Effects

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Saffron benefits your health in many ways. Research is constantly being done on saffron to find out what its benefits can be. Recent studies have said that saffron has many medicinal properties.

It is the most expensive spice and the price of one pound of it can range from about $500 to $5000. 300 tons of saffron are produced annually. Iran has the biggest hand in the production of saffron, which produces about 76 percent of the total production.

Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine, wrote that saffron can effectively fight insomnia, stomach problems, colds, coughs, flatulence, uterine bleeding and cardiovascular diseases.

Modern research also supports this claim of saffron. Through this article, we are going to tell you how saffron can improve your health.

What is Saffron?

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Saffron is extracted from a flower called Crocus sativus. Its scientific name is also Crocus sativus and it is used as a spice and coloring agent. It looks like small threads.

It is known by different names in different languages, such as,

  • Saffron in Hindi
  • Saffron in Bengali
  • kumkumapoo in tamil
  • Kumkuma Pubba in Telugu
  • Saffron in Arabic 

Etcetera.

Health Benefits of Saffron for Health

Two of saffron’s major carotenoids, crocin and crocetin, may have antitumor effects. These compounds may also reduce the risk of inflammation. Safranal, another compound in saffron, has been found to promote retinal health.

1. May Reduce Cancer Risk

Saffron is rich in two major carotenoids, namely crocin and crocetin. Preclinical evidence indicates that some carotenoids may have potent antitumor effects. Data from the medical literature suggest that saffron may be used as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent.

According to another report, although the exact mechanism of saffron’s anticancer effects is not clear, carotenoids may play a major role in it. More trials in humans are needed to reach a definite conclusion in this regard. Saffron and its components have been found promising for cancer prevention. 

2. May help fight inflammation and arthritis (Kesar May Help Fight Inflammation And Arthritis)

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An Italian study states that the crocetin in saffron promotes cerebral oxygenation in rats and acts positively in the treatment of arthritis. This effect can most likely be attributed to its antioxidant activity. However, these results have only been obtained in vitro or on laboratory animals and have not yet been applied to humans.

Extracts from the petals of the saffron plant have also been found to have anti-inflammatory activity. This effect can be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. However, other chemical components of saffron and their mechanisms are yet to be investigated.

3. Kesar May Boost Vision Health

In rat studies, safranal, a component of saffron, was found to delay retinal degeneration. The compound found in saffron may also reduce the loss of rod and cone photoreceptors. These properties make safranal potentially useful for delaying retinal degeneration in retinal pathologies.

4. May Help In Insomnia Treatment

Studies on rats found that crocin in saffron promotes non-rapid eye movement sleep. Crocetin, another carotenoid in saffron, may also increase total non-REM sleep time by up to 50%.

Other clinical trials also indicate that saffron supplementation may help improve symptoms of depression in adults. According to research, one of the symptoms of depression is insomnia . However, more long-term research is needed before solid conclusions can be drawn in this regard.

5. May promote brain health

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron extract may be beneficial for a variety of nervous system issues. Saffron interacts with the cholinergic and dopaminergic systems, which may have beneficial effects in cases of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

However, more investigation is needed to comprehensively examine the effects of saffron on the human nervous system. 

Some research results also suggest that crocin present in saffron can reduce memory disorders related to Alzheimer’s, brain injuries and schizophrenia. However, the potential efficacy of saffron in memory disorders related to traumatic brain injury and brain ischemia is yet to be investigated.

6. May Promote Digestive Health

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Most animal research has shown saffron to be effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders due to its antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. However, the efficacy of saffron in treating human gastrointestinal issues is yet to be investigated and understood.

7. Kesar May Heal Burn Wounds

According to a research, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can potentially help in wound healing. If saffron is used on burn wounds, it helps in healing the wounds faster than cream. 

8. May Enhance Immunity

Saffron is rich in carotenoids, which affect immunity. A study conducted on healthy men showed that daily use of saffron (about 100 mg) can have temporary immunomodulatory effects without any adverse reactions.

9. Kesar May Offer Relief From Menstrual Symptoms

Saffron has been found to be an herbal remedy that can provide relief to women suffering from early menstrual symptoms. The research concludes that more clinical trials are needed to determine its efficacy. 

10. May Improve Heart Health

Saffron helps reduce the risk of heart disease by strengthening the circulatory system. Saffron is rich in thiamine and riboflavin, which help keep the heart healthy and help prevent various cardiovascular problems.

Due to its antioxidant properties, saffron helps maintain healthy arteries and blood vessels. The anti-inflammatory properties of saffron also benefit the heart.

Crocetin in saffron indirectly controls blood cholesterol levels and reduces the severity of atherosclerosis. According to a research, saffron may also be useful in treating high blood pressure.

11. Kesar May Protect The Liver

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Some research suggests that saffron may be useful for patients suffering from liver metastasis. The carotenoids in saffron may help inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species. But further investigation with a much larger sample size is needed to reach any conclusions. 

Safranal present in saffron can also protect the liver from toxins present in the environment. But this research has not yet been done on humans.

12. May Work As An Aphrodisiac

Crocin present in saffron may improve sexual behavior. However, safranal present in saffron does not have any aphrodisiac effect. Saffron was also found to be effective in improving sperm motility in men with low or no infertility. However, it was not found to improve sperm count. 

Benefits of saffron for skin (Skin Benefits of Kesar in Hindi)

Saffron provides skin protection due to its photoprotective and moisturizing effects.

1. May Protect Skin From UV Radiation

Research suggests that saffron can be used as a natural UV-absorbing agent. It contains flavonoid compounds such as kaempferol and quercetin, which may contribute in this regard.

The photoprotective effects of saffron may also be due to its other phenolic compounds such as tannic, gallic, caffeic, and ferulic acids. Some of these compounds are used as ingredients in various sunscreens and skin lotions. However, saffron does not appear to have any special moisturizing effects.

But be careful while using saffron on your skin and also keep an eye on its quantity, because using saffron in excess can turn your skin yellow.

2. Kesar May Enhance Complexion

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We don’t recommend using any ingredient solely for the purpose of whitening your skin. But saffron has shown some significant skin lightening effects.

Saffron (Kesar) Nutritional Value in Hindi

Nutrient Content (per 100 g)

  • Water: 11.9 grams
  • Calories : 310 kcal
  • Protein: 11.43 grams
  • Fat: 5.85 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 65.37 grams
  • Fiber: 3.9 grams
  • Calcium: 111 mg
  • Iron: 11.1 mg
  • Magnesium: 264 mg
  • Phosphorus: 252 mg
  • Potassium: 1724 mg
  • Sodium: 148 mg
  • Zinc: 1.09 mg
  • Copper: 0.328 mg
  • Manganese: 28.408 mg
  • Selenium: 5.6 micrograms
  • Vitamin C: 80.8 mg
  • Thiamin: 0.115 mg
  • Riboflavin: 0.267 mg
  • Niacin: 1.46 mg
  • Vitamin B6: 1.01 mg
  • Folate: 93 micrograms
  • Beta-carotene: 27 micrograms
  • Vitamin A IU : 530 IU
  • Fatty Acid Total Saturated : 1.586 grams
  • Total monounsaturated fatty acids: 0.429 grams
  • Total polyunsaturated fatty acids: 2.067 grams

How to use saffron? (How To Use Kesar?)

Saffron not only imparts a distinct flavour and aroma but also makes your dishes look more appealing. Saffron can be used in its raw form or ground, depending on the recipe.

If you are using saffron to garnish your dish and want to make it beautiful, you can use saffron in its original form. 

On the other hand, if you want the saffron to blend into your plate in a way that it is not visible to the eyes, then you must go for its powdered form.

The cooking methods given below enable you to get the maximum benefits from this magical spice:

  1. You can prepare saffron powder instead of purchasing it from a supplier. You can do this by grinding the saffron threads with a mortar and pestle. 
  2. If you are having difficulty grinding the threads due to moisture, add a pinch of sugar to them and then grind. This will make grinding easier without affecting your recipe.
  3. You can make liquid saffron by adding 3 to 5 teaspoons of hot or boiling water to saffron powder and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Store it in a jar for a few weeks and use it when needed. 
  4. Liquid saffron can also be prepared by using milk, vinegar or wine instead of water. It is usually added to other ingredients at the end of cooking for color and to spread the flavor throughout the dish.
  5. You can also make saffron milk. You need 1 cup boiled milk, a pinch of saffron and 2 teaspoons sugar (if required). Add sugar and saffron to the boiled milk. This saffron milk tea can also prove to be a great addition to your regular routine.

Saffron dosage and its side effects (Kesar Dosage And Side Effects in Hindi)

Some research suggests that consuming 10.5 grams of saffron a day can cause toxic side effects. These include headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, but in many cases saffron can also be harmful to the lungs and kidneys.

According to some sources, the daily limit of saffron for pregnant women is 5 grams. Consuming saffron in large quantities during pregnancy can cause problems. It can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage. 

There is no adequate information yet regarding breastfeeding. So, avoid its use and stay safe. According to a study done on female rats, it is important to note that exposure to high levels of saffron may increase the rate of miscarriage. 

Benefits of saffron tea (Kesar Tea Benefits in Hindi)

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1. Prevents depression (Antidepressant)

Saffron is nicknamed the “sunshine spice.” And it’s not just because of its red and sometimes yellow color. The spice is believed to have mood-boosting properties, and there’s science behind these claims, not just hearsay.

An older study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found saffron to be as effective as the drug fluoxetine (Prozac) in treating mild to moderate depression.

A review in the Journal of Integrative Medicine examined several studies involving the use of saffron to treat depression in adults over 18 years of age. 

Researchers found that saffron improved symptoms in people with major depressive disorder. This could make it a good option for people who do not tolerate antidepressant medications well.

2. Improves heart health (Kesar tea Improves Heart health)

Saffron contains many different chemical components. Some of these may help lower  blood pressure and offer protection against heart disease.

A review of studies done on rats showed that saffron lowers blood pressure. Other research using rabbits found saffron effective in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

An older human study in the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences found that saffron reduced the likelihood of tissue damage caused by bad cholesterol. Researchers believe that saffron’s antioxidant properties may have a protective effect when it comes to heart disease.

3. PMS treatment

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, from mood swings to physical discomfort. Some women are more affected than others. 

For those who want relief but don’t want to rely on medications, saffron may be a good option.

A review in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology looked at the use of herbal remedies for PMS and the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). 

Both conditions cause discomfort to a woman in the one to two weeks before her period begins. The review lists saffron as an effective treatment for the symptoms.

Another study from the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology looked at saffron as a treatment for PMS symptoms in women ages 20 to 45. Researchers found that 15 milligrams of saffron twice daily was effective in relieving PMS symptoms.

4. Boosts memory

Saffron contains two chemicals, crocin and crocetin, which researchers believe may help with learning and memory function. 

A study published in Phytotherapy Research using rats found that saffron was able to improve learning and memory problems. 

This research suggests that saffron may have the potential to treat diseases that affect the brain, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

5. Cancer prevention

Saffron is rich in both antioxidants and flavonoids. Antioxidants help protect the body from harmful substances. Flavonoids are chemicals found in plants that help protect the plant from fungus and disease.

A 2015 review in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that saffron’s chemical composition may be effective in preventing and treating several different cancers. But researchers point out that more research is needed in humans.

How to make Kesar tea

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Saffron tea can be prepared by steeping it in hot water, but be aware that this spice can have a strong and bitter taste. For this reason, many recipes combine the herb in different ways. You can mix it with tea leaves, or add other herbs and spices.

Recipes may vary in some cases, but generally involve boiling water in a saucepan and then adding the saffron and other ingredients. Let the saffron steep in the hot water for about five to eight minutes just as you would steep a teabag in hot water. Then remove it and enjoy the tea.

Apart from this, saffron can be mixed with cardamom and either raw milk or coconut milk can be used to give it a rich flavour. You can also enjoy cold saffron tea. 

According to food blog Ciao Florentina, saffron can be enjoyed in an iced tea version by mixing it with other ingredients like basil, lemon, and honey.

The Takeaway

Saffron is considered red gold due to its high popularity and rare availability. Its unique taste and aroma has captured many hearts, which is why its popularity has not diminished.

Saffron is a popular spice that contains diverse nutrients. The benefits of saffron can be attributed to its active compounds such as crocetin and safranal, which promote one’s overall health.

Saffron may help boost vision, immunity, and brain, gut, heart, and liver health. It may also reduce inflammation, promote sleep, and speed up wound healing. 

It is also good for your skin, as it can promote a healthy skin complexion. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume saffron. If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before consuming saffron.

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