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Among all the exotic spices, saffron is known for its perfume, color, and medicinal properties Saffron is harvested by hand-picking and drying three stamens from each flower. It takes 160 flowers to produce just one gram of the spice. It's no wonder it's nicknamed “red gold” and considered one of the most luxurious spices in the world!
Saffron has been used in traditional healing for centuries to aid digestion, support healthy tissue, and to eliminate toxins, according to a blog from the Mudita Institute. In fact, Ayurvedic healers consider saffron, or kesar, one of their most valuable medicinal herbs because of the saffron’s ability to balance all three doshas, pitta, vata, and kapha, which in turn balances all the energies of the human system.
You can use saffron to season your food or as a supplement to tap into these five natural wellness benefits of red gold spice.
Could improve mood
There is a reason why saffron is also nicknamed called the ‘sunshine spice’. Not only because of its unique color but also because it may help balance your mood, so you feel calm throughout the day. According to ScienceDirect, the main active ingredients of saffron, safranal and crocin, could help brighten your mood.
Powerful antioxidant properties
Saffron contains three antioxidants: crocetin, crocin, and safrana, according to Medical News Today, that helps to prevent oxidative stress and free radicals from damaging your cells.These antioxidants help keep your body healthy.
Research published in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute suggests that saffron's potent antioxidant properties could also enhance brain and nervous system health as well as improve memory.
Helps soothe symptoms of PMS
Saffron may also help to relieve some of the symptoms of PMS as well as menstrual cramps, according to Medical News Today. A study from the Mashhad University of Medical Services, women taking 30 mg of saffron daily experienced decreased irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain. The study also found that women who simply smelled saffron for 20 minutes experienced lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may also contribute to PMS relief.
Promotes healthy skin
Saffron helps to promote healthy skin and is used in many cosmetics and skin care products, according to Healthline. The antioxidants in the spice help to protect against UV radiation that ages and damages skin.
Research from the Laboratory of Biology of Plants and Microorganisms shows that saffron's dilation of blood vessels encourages sweating and pores to open, effectively cleaning and restoring skin health.
Aids in wound healing
This useful spice also aids in wound healing and lowers the risk of infections and scarring according to Heathline. A study that evaluated the effectiveness of saffron extract to heal wounds and found that the spice helped to increase the growth of skin cells that are needed to heal wounds. This was due to the powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties contained in saffron.
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