To increase immunity, give yourself a glow, or improve the health of your hair, you may have frequently heard of drinking saffron in a glass of warm milk. You sure are wondering if it does work. Well, it does. Due to its color, flavor, and therapeutic qualities, saffron is among the world’s most desirable and expensive spices, with many other qualities. Since the list is extensive, let’s learn more about it.

What is saffron?
The Crocus sativus flower, a relative of the lily, yields the spice known as saffron. The stigma and styles, often known as threads, found inside the flower is where it is derived from. Saffron is incredibly expensive since it is hard to harvest. Farmers must manually remove the fine threads from each blossom.
The flavor of the saffron is then intensified by roasting and drying the threads, making it one of the costliest herbs on earth. In addition to being used in cooking, dried stigmas are essential in producing prescribed treatments, cosmetics, and textile dyes. The saffron flower is purple, but the spice is a solid red color.

What is the use of saffron?
If you’re a serious food enthusiast, uses of saffron can extend to rice dishes with vegetables, steaks, fish, poultry, and bakery items. They impart a wonderful yellow-orange hue and a fresh, serene flavor to the cuisine.

• Saffron tea can also be made using its threads, which are immensely loved in the country.
• You may also try a steaming cup of saffron, ginger, and carrot soup with the chicken prepared in lemongrass and saffron.
• After that, saffron pudding from Iran is an additional treat to savor.
• For those who enjoy pasta, the saffron-infused risotto is a must-try.
• One tip, though, to bear in mind is to maintain its freshness by keeping it in air-tight containers.

Health benefits
Saffron pairs well with savory foods and desserts and has a delicate flavor and perfume when used judiciously. Soaking the threads in hot water is the finest approach to bring out the distinctive flavor of saffron. You can create a richer flavor by including the threads and liquid in your recipe. In addition to being used in food, saffron has several health benefits. Let’s continue reading to see how it can aid internal and exterior healing for your body and mind.

It can suppress hunger and promote ideal BMI
Eating frequently is a behavior that can harm you. According to research, saffron can aid with ideal BMI by suppressing hunger.

Aphrodisiac potential
Saffron has been linked to studies that suggest it may have aphrodisiac (foods that increase libido) effects.

It might ease symptoms of PMS
A study found that 20 minutes of saffron inhalation could help reduce tension and anxiety.

Beneficial in cancer
Saffron is known to include antioxidants that protect healthy cells while also assisting in the death of tumor tissues.

It could elevate mood and combat depression symptoms
Saffron is renowned as “sunshine,” not just for its striking color but also for its ability to make you feel happier. Mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms may be treated with saffron. Some possible health advantages of saffron include reduced risk of heart disease, better blood sugar control, eyesight, and better memory. Yet additional research is required before any firmer decisions and recommendations.

Side effects of saffron
When used orally as a treatment for up to certain weeks, saffron is often safe for most people. However, saffron’s potential side effects are anxiety, altered appetite, tiredness, dry mouth, nausea, and headache.
You can be allergic to saffron if you have allergies to plant species like Lolium, Olea, and Salsola. Expectant women should not consume saffron in quantities greater than those commonly found in food since excessive amounts may trigger contractions in the cervix and an abortion.

Precautions to take in consuming saffron
There are certain precautions while consuming saffron to keep in mind. In addition to any other prescribed treatments or supplements, speak with your doctor and get the desired benefits without causing any loss to your health. Saffron should be consumed at the recommended dose and during the recommended time frame under the direction of a doctor.
Excessive amounts of this spice are usually dangerous. They can have adverse side effects, like yellow skin and eyes, dizziness, puking, chronic diarrhea, or bleeding from the nostrils, gums, or eyes.

Final words
Since ancient times, saffron has been regarded for its therapeutic properties and is still used in prescribed treatments. It can be purchased commercially as a powder or in the shape of threads at specialty shops and online. Hence, the next time you hear advice about saffron, think it over, but remember to check with your doctor before using it if you have a severe condition to prevent complications down the road.