Saffron

Saffron is a spice extracted from the stigmas of the flower commonly called the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus. Since each saffron possesses three deep red stigmas, these are individually handpicked and dried as spice or seasoning. Because of the labouring process to gather it and the minute quantities that can be produced, saffron is one of the most costly spices in the world. This gives the vegetable its beautiful appearance; conversely, its distinctive flavour makes it an essential ingredient in various cuisines and holistic practices worldwide.
 

• Kesar (India)
• Zafran (Middle East and North Africa)
• Azafrán (Spain)
• Za'fran (Arabic regions)

All the names signify the importance of the deep cultural value of Saffron worldwide. It is not limited to being a spice for cooking; it is also employed in rituals, medicines, and beauty treatments.

How is Saffron Created?

Saffron is carefully grown and harvested from the flower called Crocus sativus, each of which produces only three red stigmas. Every flower produces a very small amount of saffron-about 0.006 grams of it. Thousands of flowers and hours of labour can be used to create a mere kilogram of saffron. Manually, the flower stigmas are picked and then dried to let the natural flavour, aroma, and nutrients come through. This is a delicate and time-consuming process, so saffron is one of the costliest spices.

Saffron is an appetiser in the mouth and also a storehouse of nutrients. An approximate nutritional composition per 100 grams of saffron is as follows in the table below:

Saffron is commonly valued for health benefits because of its bioactive compounds called crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin. To understand how to eat kesar for maximum health benefits, it is essential to know that minimum quantity should be used at one point in time. Although used in smaller quantities, kesar benefits from such small amounts are remarkable.

Here are some key saffron benefits:

• Mood Elevator: Saffron has a property that may help act as an antidepressant by elevating mood. This is because of the increase in the serotonin level within the brain. Therefore, saffron may be used as a supportive agent in managing depression or anxiety.
• Supports Memory: Saffron contains an antioxidant compound, crocin, which is associated with better memory and can also be applied to patients affected by Alzheimer's disease.
• Antioxidant Property: Saffron contains powerful antioxidants that can easily neutralise free radicals, managing oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Menstrual and Premenstrual Health: It has been utilised for ages in alleviating menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and mood swings.
• Heart Health: The antioxidants in saffron, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, decrease cholesterol levels and keep blood pressure at very healthy levels, thereby keeping heart health on its toes.
• Digestive Aid: It induces digestive stimulation and reduces stomach cramps.
• Eye Health: The saffron contains crocin, said to have improved the retinal functioning of an individual and supports the management of AMD of the eye.
• Skin Care: It is used as a beauty care product due to its effects on lightening skin tone, managing acne, and making luscious skin.
• Supports Pregnancy: Saffron is not advised during pregnancy as per Ayurveda, as it is warm in potency and may harm the foetus during the first trimester. 
• Promotes Skin Condition: Saffron is one of the most beneficial ingredients in beauty products. Saffron helps to promote the tone of the skin, reduce pigmentation, and control acne.

Saffron is quite versatile and is used in many applications in different parts of the globe. Kesar uses involve mixing it with milk or water regularly to benefit your health. Though it is challenging to grow saffron at home, the kesar benefits and potential rewards make it worthwhile.

Some common uses include:

• Culinary: It is added to a variety of dishes, such as biryanis, risottos, and paellas, to infuse both flavour and colour.
• Medicinal Tradition: Saffron is used in Ayurveda and traditional Persian medicine, and it has supposed curative properties to treat ailments ranging from anxiety to digestive problems and menstrual pain.
• Cultural Significance: Saffron is a crucial product in many cultures because it dominates most festivities, rituals, and religious ceremonies.
• Cosmetics: Because of its antioxidant role, saffron is used in cosmetics to beautify complexion and manage pigmentation.

Even though saffron is safe for consumption, taking it in excess can lead to a few side effects. Here are some precautions:

• Pregnancy: Pregnant ladies must consult the physician before taking saffron. Though saffron improves digestive and mood lines, its excess consumption causes uterine contractions that might eventually lead to premature labour.
• Breastfeeding Women: See your doctor before taking saffron while breastfeeding to make sure it won't have any adverse effects on the baby.
• Allergic Reactions: Some people are allergic to saffron. Discontinuation of using saffron will be ideal if you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or itching.
• Interactions with Other Medication: Saffron interacts with CNS depressant medicines, which include sedatives and drugs that reduce blood pressure with unpleasant side effects like drowsiness and decreased blood pressure.

Saffron is a product widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Here are some ways in which you can include saffron in your daily life:

1. Flavour Enhancer in Food and Beverages

Saffron is highly valued for its strong flavour, vibrant colour, and intense pungent aromatic properties. It is a choice of spice that imparts a flavour to sweet or savoury dishes. It also imparts an exotic feel to the beverages.

How to Use:

• Soak a few saffron threads in warm water, milk, or broth for 10-15 minutes, allowing full flavour and colour extraction.
• Add it to saffron recipes like biryani, paella, risotto, kheer, and ice creams.
• Add saffron to milk, smoothies, and teas so that there are benefits to saffron milk, such as improved taste and nutrition.

2. Homely Remedies for Cough and Sore Throat

Saffron has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe an aching throat and irritative cough. It can be compounded with other natural elements, such as honey, to enhance healing.

How to Use:

• Take a pinch of saffron along with honey and warm water.
• Stir it continuously until it is dissolved. Consuming this would start slowly with quick relief.
• This mixture can be taken for several days to avoid irritation in the throat, especially during flu and cold seasons.

3. Used In Pregnancy for Better Health

The spice is not recommended during the first trimester as it is warm in potency and may induce uterine contractions. It can be employed during the second trimester when the pregnancy is more stable, as it helps enhance mood and digestive activities. 

How to Use:

• Take warm milk, add a pinch of saffron, and let it mix until the strands dissolve.
• Start drinking it daily, especially before sleeping, and enjoy the Kesar milk during pregnancy. The benefits of easy digestion and less vomiting in the morning are to a great extent.

The dosage of saffron varies with its form and use:

• For culinary purposes, A pinch, or about 10-15 threads, is enough for most dishes.
• For medicinal use: The usual dose is 30 to 50 milligrams of saffron taken daily.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should not exceed 1-2 strands a day. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before consuming saffron, as excessive intake can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to complications.

Saffron may interact with many medicines, including tranquilliser medicines. Their consumption in combination may lead to sleeping too much or respiratory disorders. Saffron should always be taken after consultation with a physician if it is mixed with other drugs.

• Saffron is a pricey spice that has cultural values and medicinal values.
• Saffron has many health advantages, including mood elevation, promoting digestion, and promoting healthy skin.
• Pregnant women should avoid saffron in the first trimester, and can be used in moderation during the second and third trimester. 
• Kesar milk and saffron water benefits in beautiful ways to incorporate saffron into your everyday diet.
• Saffron is costly, but the flavour, aroma, and healthy value it brings to any diet make it very acceptable.

Conclusion

Saffron exhibits its health benefits through its active compounds, particularly crocin and safranal. It supports mood regulation, enhances memory, and contributes to antioxidant defence, offering potential relief in conditions like depression and cognitive decline. Its traditional use in managing menstrual discomfort and promoting skin clarity is supported by anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Saffron also aids digestion, supports eye health, and may assist in maintaining cardiovascular balance. However, due to its potency, especially during pregnancy or when combined with medications, intake must remain limited and purposeful. Incorporating saffron into diet or wellness routines should be done in small, controlled amounts for safe results.