The most expensive spice, saffron is obtained from the flower of crocus sativus. Saffron is actually the dried stigmas of the flower which is maroonish yellow in colour. They are carefully picked from the flower and then dried.
However, you only need a pinch of it to avail its health benefits. Since it needs more labour and man power in it's harvesting and cultivation, it is the most expensive spice in the whole worlds. Arabs first introduced the cultivation of saffron.
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Saffron is added to sweet dishes and also curries. It gives a rich colour to the dish. Saffron tea is also made by boiling a few strands of saffron in water and then adding a little sugar or honey to it.
Saffron has many health benefits. It is not just a spice to add flavour as it has many benefits to offer. Saffron aids in digestion, prevents and heals ulcers. Have a look at some other health benefits of saffron.
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Saffron tea cleanses your body and removes all toxins. It also treats stomach ulcers, gastritis, heart burn and also intestinal disorders. Saffron tea also treats gas problems as it helps in the evacuation of gases from your gastro intestinal tract.
The carotenoids present in saffron will protect your eyes from macular degeration which is the common cause of blindness. It supplies you with vitamin A that is much needed for eye health. Saffron prevents cataract and also offers protection to your eyes from sun's harmful rays.
The two main active ingredients crocin and safranal present in saffron prevents and also stops the growth of tumour in the body. It protects from ovarian, liver and colon cancer.
If you have painful and bleeding gums, have saffron. It will bring down inflammation and also reduces soreness. It is also good for your over all oral health.
Having saffron tea will help you to calm your nerves and will help you sleep during the night. It is also used to treat depression patients.
The main problem with arthritis is joint pain and inflammation. Saffron has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves joint pain. It also treats fatigue, tiredness and muscle soreness by removing the accumulated lactic acid in the muscles after strenuous exercise.
Saffron helps to clear congestion in the respiratory tract by removing the phlegm. It loosens the phlegm and helps in its expectoration. It also soothes allergic cough in the throat and prevents asthma attack by reducing the inflammation of the lungs.
Saffron acts as an aphrodisiac especially in men by increasing vigour and vitality. It also treats impotence in men, premature ejaculation and also erectile dysfunction.
If you mix saffron with milk and licorice and then apply it on your scalp, your hair will regrow. It also stops hair loss.
Saffron increases haemoglobin levels as it is rich in iron. Therefore, saffron treats anaemia.
Saffron is rich in potassium which maintains your blood pressure and prevents heart diseases. The antioxidants in saffron reduces the bad cholesterol level and prevents heart attack. Saffron improves blood circulation and also removes deposited plaque from the blood vessels.
Saffron aids in digestion and prevents acidity. It forms a protective coating inside the stomach and prevents stomach ulcers also. It also cleanses your blood and treats convulsions (fits).
Saffron increases the happy chemicals in the brain such as serotonin which elevates mood and keeps you happy. It also improves blood flow to the brain and offers protection to the brain.
Saffron improves concentration. People having forgetfulness must take saffron in the form of tea. Saffron also prevents two major brain diseases in old age, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Saffron will help you to relieve common cold and also sore throat. It will also protect you from kidney and liver damage.
Saffron increases the blood flow of the pelvis and reduces cramps. It prevents gases and bloating during pregnancy. Saffron also helps to control morning sickness, anxiety, mood swings and depression during pregnancy by increasing the level of serotonin hormone in the brain.
Saffron reduces uterine and leg cramps during menstruation. It is also helpful for those who have pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) as it increases the estrogen levels and alleviates anxiety.
If you have acne, pimples and pigmentation on your face then you must have saffron. It will treat acne as it kills bacterial infections on your skin. Applying saffron paste under your eyes will help to remove dark circles.