30 Oct Saffron: Medicinal properties and benefits of saffron
Saffron, also known as golden spice; It has been giving our food a special taste, color and smell for many years. Research has shown that this expensive spice as an antioxidant can help improve the function of the immune system and increase energy levels. Join us to know the health benefits of saffron.
What is saffron?
Saffron is a plant with the scientific name of Crocus sativus, from the order of asparagus and the genus Lily. It is known as the golden spice because of its yellow color and high price. Saffron has been used for more than 4,000 years to flavor and flavor foods. Today, more than 90% of the world’s saffron is produced in Iran.
Saffron has a variety of chemical compounds that are the main cause of taste, color and properties.
In history, it has been seen many times that saffron has been used as a medicine to treat the following diseases:
Asthma
Muscle cramps
Stress
Anemia and heart failure
Saffron also has analgesic properties that are used as a natural analgesic.
In modern medical science, the use of saffron for its healing properties has also been used to solve the following problems:
Relieve anxiety
Treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Treatment of insulin resistance
Diabetes
Cancer
Diseases associated with nerve cell destruction
Learning disorders
Although saffron has not been shown to play a decisive role in the treatment of various diseases, it has been proven that the use of this valuable spice is quite effective in treating diseases such as sexual problems, depression, premenstrual syndrome and Alzheimer’s.
Chemical compounds of saffron
Earlier in the article, we examined the compounds of saffron. Now, we will take a closer look at the chemical compounds of saffron:
There are more than 150 active chemical compounds in this golden spice, the most important of which are responsible for the taste, taste, smell and more importantly the effect of saffron are:
Carotenoids: Carotenoids are a group of chemical compounds in plants that are responsible for the color of their leaves and petals. Also, these compounds are responsible for absorbing light in plants.
Crocetin and crocin are carotenoids that produce the yellow and red color of saffron.
Other important carotenoids of saffron include: (lycopene, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene) lycopene, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene.
Essential oils (Volatile oils): Oil obtained from plants, which is also called essential oil or fragrance.
-Picrocrocin: The main responsible for the taste of saffron
Safranal: The main responsible for the aroma and aroma of saffron
Saffron is also a rich source of kaimferrol, which is a type of yellow molecule that produces yellow pigments, and also has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. This substance may be effective in treating some diseases:
Type 2 diabetes
Heart failure
Scientific properties of saffron
The chemical composition of saffron is responsible for its effective properties for the health of the body. Saffron increases the level of proteins necessary for body growth and blood pressure. Contributes to healthy brain activity such as brain-derived neurogenic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
It also has antioxidant properties that scavenge free radicals that may damage proteins and DNA inside cells. This miracle spice restricts the growth of amyloid beta proteins that lead to Alzheimer’s.
In addition, it inhibits the growth of acetylcholinesterase enzymes and reduces the level of acetylcholine in the body, which can cause problems for neurotransmitters.
The properties of saffron are not limited to these and you should know that golden spice can lower cortisol levels and increase estrogen levels; Which leads to the health of the bones of the body.
Many of the healing properties of saffron are due to the presence of crocin molecule in the composition of this spice. Digesting crocin is not an easy task for the body, which is why the human digestive system converts it to crocin.
Crostin increases the production of the happy hormone serotonin in the brain, which is why saffron can be used to treat depression.
Safranal: Another chemical present in golden spice compounds is:
– Increases blood pressure and regulates heart rate.
– It is anti-allergic and stops the activity of histamines in the body.
Disrupts the activity of acetylcholine in the body.
Eliminates anxiety and stress.
Saffron also has antiviral properties and prevents viruses from entering the body’s cells.
Health benefits of saffron.
Saffron has many benefits for the body, most of which are due to its antioxidant properties.
1. Saffron, a natural antioxidant
In a study in which 20 people (10 healthy people, 10 people with coronary artery disease) had daily consumption of saffron for 6 weeks were monitored. Both groups were effectively immune to free radicals in the body.
The antioxidant properties of golden spice prevent premature aging and protect your skin from damage from sunlight, which can lead to the growth of cancer cells, which is why saffron is used in creams and lotions. Sunscreens are used.
2. Strengthens the immune system
Regular consumption of saffron increases white blood cells. However, it does not lead to an increase in red blood cells, so problems such as blood concentration can not be the effect of excessive consumption of saffron.
Also, preventing viral activity in the body’s cells is another reason to prove the claim of saffron boosting your immune system.
3. Consumption of saffron is energizing
The carotenoids in saffron increase energy storage and strength in the body’s muscles. It also increases the power of reaction and coordination between the mind and the eyes with these compounds.
With high blood pressure and oxygen reaching the muscles, saffron can be a good choice for athletes.
4. Reduce premenstrual symptoms and difficulties
One of the oldest uses of saffron in reducing premenstrual symptoms and problems such as imbalance in mood, muscle cramps, bloating and pimples.
5. Improves heart function
Saffron reduces the risk of heart attack and vascular problems by increasing the heart’s pumping capacity, thanks to the presence of kaimferol.
Many studies have proven the effect of saffron on reducing heart problems. This is probably due to the burning of cholesterol while the body converts crocin to crocetin.
6. Improve sexual function
Research on 20 men with erectile dysfunction has shown that saffron extract for 10 days can increase the function and duration of erection in patients.
Another study on 25 diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction showed that saffron gel and its use as an ointment could improve the patient’s performance.
In women, 4 weeks of saffron consumption has proven the effects of this natural medicine on increasing libido and increasing vaginal discharge, which has solved the problem of painful intimacy.
7. Saffron fights cancer
The anti-cancer properties of saffron have been proven in the treatment and prevention of cancers of the lung, liver, breast, pancreas, colon, skin, prostate and ovary.
The anti-cancer effect of saffron is due to the presence of crocin. Crocetin targets and kills cancer cells.
8. Alzheimer’s treatment
A study found that consuming saffron for 16 weeks increases brain activity and prevents its deterioration.
A similar study injected crocin into mice showed improved memory and memory function.
Another study of 54 Alzheimer’s patients found that taking saffron twice a day for 22 weeks had a better effect than dopezil (an Alzheimer’s drug).
9. Weight Loss
Saffron helps to lose weight:
Reduce fat absorption
-Improve digestion
Reduce the calories absorbed from food
Helps burn glucose and fat for energy
Saffron can lower blood cholesterol levels, which can lead to heart attacks and diabetes.
Experiments performed on mice showed that crocin reduced their blood fats and body fat, which could prove the claim that saffron is effective for weight loss.
10. Protect the brain
Saffron has a beneficial effect on the brain. Many studies on cells and animals have shown that saffron helps improve brain function by the following factors:
Improving the function of neurons
Antioxidant activity that prevents damage to the brain.
11. Help bone health
Saffron helps the bones of the body by increasing the level of estrogens that are necessary for the growth and repair of bones.
12. Asthma treatment
In the past, saffron was used to treat lung spasms and asthma attacks.
The anti-inflammatory properties of saffron contribute to the calming function of the lungs, although direct consumption on the lungs, such as inhaling smoke or injecting, has not yet been medically proven.
13. Improves liver function
Saffron helps your liver health for three reasons:
It fights the growth of enzymes that produce toxic and harmful products for the liver.
Its antioxidant properties.
Modulation of liver cell structure.
14. Help treat diabetes
Saffron helps insulin function in the body.
15. Helps eyesight
Saffron improves blood flow in the eyes and prevents eye aging. This process occurs due to the presence of crocin in saffron.
Dosage of saffron
Saffron should not be consumed more than twice a day and more than 30 to 50 mg per meal. The maximum consumption of saffron in a day is 1500 mg, which is less in pregnant women or those who are allergic to this spice for various reasons.
Doses above 5000 mg are toxic and even deadly. Pregnant women who take more than 5,000 mg may experience a miscarriage.
Side effects of saffron consumption
Saffron is a safe and healthy food supplement for your daily diet. But in very rare cases, it may also have side effects:
Dry mouth
Anxiety
Vertigo
nausea
Decreased appetite
Headache
Some people may be allergic to the carotenoids in this spice.
Note that pregnant women should not consume saffron unless they have consulted their doctor. Despite all the benefits and advantages of using golden spice, there is a lot of evidence that saffron may endanger the health of the fetus and mother.Excessive consumption of saffron for a long time can lead to a decrease in red blood cells in the body.
Drug interactions
No drug interactions for saffron have been known to date.
However, it is recommended that if you take anti-depressant pills, as these pills are responsible for stimulating the brain to produce the hormone serotonin and saffron consumption also increases the production of this hormone, you may develop serotonin syndrome. It is very dangerous; Do not neglect after consulting your doctor.
Properties of saffron and the harms of overuse
The underground stem of saffron consists of two bulbs, which are round and full and protected by a hard membrane, which itself is protected by a thin, brown wall. The flowers of saffron are purple in color. These flowers consist of three petals that lead to the sepals and are arranged very neatly next to each other.
The part of the flower stigma or the end of the flower cream is the main and first grade saffron and the cream bar is also called the second grade saffron.
To harvest saffron, the stigma of each flower is removed and placed between the paper to dry and prepare for packaging.
The most important properties of saffron
Saffron has very useful properties. The most important properties of saffron: for better lungs and breathing, elimination of digestive problems and easier digestion of food, reduction of pain and sometimes complete recovery, deep and better sleep, helping to reduce bleeding, beneficial for heart health and its safety, It is very useful for regulating and increasing blood circulation, preventing diabetes, helping and strengthening the body’s immune system, as well as strengthening bones.
Familiarity with the medicinal properties of saffron
Saffron has more than 150 different combinations. Examples include carotenoids, safranal, crocin, antioxidants, and most chemicals. As mentioned, saffron plant has several benefits for the human body, including:
Increase blood circulation: Saffron has the ability to provide the body with the energy it needs, and because it increases blood circulation, the metabolic process in the body also increases. The high concentration of iron in saffron increases red blood cells in the blood, which increases blood circulation and oxygenation to different organs of the body.
Increase the body’s immunity: One of the most important properties of saffron is increasing the body’s immunity. This plant has a lot of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is very good for health. The presence of vitamin C or ascorbic acid in saffron increases the production of white blood cells in the blood. This strengthens the immune system.
Protecting heart health: Due to the important role of the heart in the human body, heart health and its protection is very important. One of the ways to protect the health of Phleb and help it function better is to consume foods that have relatively higher amounts of potassium and saffron contains a large amount of potassium. Potassium dilates the body’s arteries, which prevents high blood pressure and pressure on the arteries. This plays a very important role in heart health and prevents risks such as stroke and heart attack.
Diabetes control
One of the most important properties of saffron is controlling diabetes. If you suffer from this disease, control this disease with proper use of saffron. Saffron contains a significant amount of manganese, which the body uses to control the level of sugar required by the body.
Disadvantages of excessive consumption of saffron
Excessive use of saffron drastically lowers blood pressure and leads to excessive blood thinning. In this case, there are many problems for the body. For example, excessive dilution of blood in women causes nosebleeds or uterine bleeding. Also, saffron consumption is not recommended for women during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, which is the most sensitive time during pregnancy. Because it causes abortion. During pregnancy, after the first three months of pregnancy, saffron consumption should be controlled by a gynecologist.
Excessive consumption of saffron causes vomiting, decreased heart rate, bleeding from the nose, bleeding from the eyelids and lips and causes dizziness, lethargy, jaundice, all of which have very dangerous side effects that sometimes lead to It becomes death. Excessive consumption of saffron disrupts kidney function and causes severe headaches. It also sometimes causes sensory disturbances. During menstruation, it also increases stress and causes severe skin discoloration and weakness.
Due to the hot nature of saffron, its high consumption causes severe diarrhea, in which case the body loses a lot of water and sometimes causes blood to be seen in the urine in this situation. The permissible amount of saffron used in general and in any form is up to eleven grams per day for an adult. In case of medicinal use of this plant, its consumption is allowed up to a maximum of 1 gram per day. If you consume more than 3 grams of saffron during pregnancy, it will cause severe bleeding and miscarriage, and if the bleeding is not prevented, the mother will die.
Many sports supplements use compounds that also contain saffron. Be very careful if you use any type of diet because long-term consumption of saffron also has many side effects. Be sure to consult your doctor or nutritionist, especially if you use saffron in your diet to lose weight. In any case, the duration of your diet should not exceed six weeks and this diet should be under the supervision of a doctor and nutritionist. Avoid taking saffron supplements without the permission of your doctor or bodybuilding instructor and do not reduce or increase the amount. Another important point in consuming saffron is to make sure that the saffron you use is genuine and not counterfeit, because counterfeit saffron is prepared from artificial colors and unsanitary materials, which is not recommended for consumption at all. In the composition of counterfeit saffron, saffron is used very little.
Types of saffron are:
Bunch Saffron
Pushal Saffron
Sargol saffron
Negin saffron
Corned or white saffron.
You may be asked that what are the methods to prevent saffron pests?
Planting depth should be 15-20 cm.
Use healthy onions without dark spots for planting.
Disinfect onions with fungicide and acaricide before planting.
Once every 2 years, a height of 1-2 should be done during the summer so that the planting depth of saffron bulbs remains unchanged.
It is better to shorten the life of farms.
Transfer of saffron stems from infected areas to other farms should be avoided.
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