Health Benefits and Uses of saffron
Generally known as "saffron" , and scientifically as “crocus sativus ", it is the most expensive cultivated plant on the Earth and it is also the only plant weighted by ounces and grams instead of kilos or tons. In recent years, due to demand for consuming natural additives, instead of synthetic ones, saffron consumption is also increased. Some of the saffron uses are mentioned below.:
1. Saffron and its medical properties
2. Saffron in chemicals and industry
3. Saffron for foods
Saffron and its medical properties:
In ancient times ,Saffron, like other spices was considered to possess different properties. Based on researches done recently in regards of wide usage of saffron in traditional and herbal medicine, different properties and effectiveness of its combinations has drawn the attention of a large number of researchers and medicine practitioners. Some properties of saffron are as follows: According to Avicenna (IBN SINA), the Persian polymath in his famous book “The Canon of Medicine” saffron has more than 20 healing benefits which are listed briefly below:
Treatment of Alzheimer`s disease
Reduction of neurological damages in M.S patients
Anti-oxidative compound against free radicals
Heart health
Prevention against age related vision loss
Prevention against cataract
Anti-depression
Memory improvement
Treatment of insomnia
Improvement of epileptic convulsions
Improvement of Iron absorption and adolescent anaemia
Improvement of food digestion
Control of appetite and weight loss
Relief of menstrual discomforts
Increase of sex drive and libido
Nerve stimulation and mood change
Improvement of kidney, liver and bladder function
Treatment of bronchitis and dry cough
Treatment of fever
Treatment of gastric bloating and flatulence
Treatment of hypertension
Decreasing blood cholesterol level
Skin rejuvenation
Treatment of sunburn marks
Treatment of hair fall
Researches also indicate that saffron contains substances that have positive effects to cure some cancers in laboratory animals.
Saffron in chemicals and industry:
Saffron could be used in different industries, due to its unique characteristics. Natural colors have gained great popularity throughout the world for their safety and having no side effects on their consumers. These colors have been used in coloring industry since many years ago. Thanks to its specific compounds, Saffron is also used in health industry and producing aromatics.
Saffron for foods:
As a spice, Saffron is added to give pleasant aroma and color to foods. In recent years, due to interest of society in natural additives instead of synthetic ones in food, consuming saffron is increased as well. Saffron color and aroma have appetizing effects and it is widely applied in producing sweets, beverages and drinks (sherbets). Saffron has now a strong presence in cooking, confectionery industry, dairy industry ( ice-creams, butter, cheese several kinds of drinks, saffron tea and Energy drinks and etc) cake powders, jellies, sweets, candies, ..... to add good color and aroma to these products. Adding Saffron to Sausage, Olive margarines and shortenings is also common.
ORIGIN: IRAN
BRAND: BAHAR ROSHNA SAFFRON
