Saffron Spice – Health Benefits and Who Must Not Consume It
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and it is derived from a flower called Crocus sativus. There are two forms of saffron available on the market. First one is in the form of threads or the stigmas of the mentioned flower. The other form is powdered saffron. Many insist that you should go for the threads since the powdered form can easily be a fake or a mix of saffron and some other spice.
Health Benefits of Saffron
Saffron has anti-oxidant properties and helps protect against stress, infections, and even some types of cancer. In many traditional medicines, it is used to aid in digestion, as an antiseptic and as an anti- convulsant. It is also a key ingredient in natural Ayurvedic beauty regimens since it helps to revitalize dry or damaged skin.
Modern medicine is exploring health benefits of saffron and there is evidence that saffron helps fight asthma, cough, insomnia, atherosclerosis, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, pain, heartburn, dry skin, acne, and infertility. It is also used as an aphrodisiac. Women use it to ease symptoms of PMS and men find it useful in preventing premature ejaculation. Saffron also regulates spleen and liver functions.
Some preclinical studies and experiments indicate that saffron helps in offering relief in case of Depression, Cancer and PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
It has to be said, though, that not everyone can enjoy benefits of saffron. Pregnant women and people with bipolar disorder should avoid using this spice. Larger doses of saffron could cause a miscarriage or trigger a mania if you are bipolar. Also, if you have low blood pressure, be aware that saffron can make it even lower. You should always be careful with the dosage since consuming very large amounts of saffron can become dangerous.
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