PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS OF SAFFRON

The saffron is a thousand-year-old spice that comes from the Ottoman culture and that Its use has been extended all over the world for different applications. Many people think that it is not worth it given the price it has but if you consider the properties and health benefits that you have there is nothing that can discuss it. And what better way to enjoy its properties with Saffron of last harvest

As for health we can also find many benefits, throughout history saffron It has been a very used element to cure and prevent different diseases.

Properties 

- Color

Saffron is a powerful natural coloring, saffron is red both fresh and toasted and ready for its use and the resulting color in the meals is a nice yellow - gold, that the color has more intensity or less depends directly on the quality of the species. The yellow resulting from saffron is an indispensable color for rice dishes, in fact the Valenciana D.O. it includes it in its standard and in Italy, for risottos it is an indispensable ingredient. The resulting color with the saffron is a much more natural and pretty color than the one obtained by adding food coloring, in addition the food coloring contains tartrazine which is a contraindicated component against health since it has been classified as a carcinogen and causing allergies

- Taste

This property is the most remarkable of all those that have, even more than the color, the flavor of the saffron as a spice is different from the one that results when tasting a stew with the spice, the saffron directly has a bitter base with metallic notes, but in culinary use is not appreciated as well, gives a very characteristic and pleasant flavor, it is also a natural enhancer of the general flavor of the stew, this means that all ingredients gain power and recipe is much richer.

- Aroma

Saffron has a very intense aroma , if the saffron is new and of quality gives off a very fine and pleasant aroma, once the time passes the aroma becomes more intense.

In stews is also noted, as with the flavor does not get the same aroma that has the spice to the natural but if there is a characteristic aroma that would not be achieved without the contribution of saffron.

Benefits

Prevents cardiovascular diseases

It is recommended to consume daily to protect our heart since it strengthens it, this is due to the " crocetina " that reduces cholesterol , favors the nutrition of blood capillaries and improves arteriosclerosis

Beneficial for vision

"Safranal" containing saffron slows down the process of degeneration of light-receiving cells , improves the functions of the retina and the blood vessels of the eyes.

Properties Antioxidants

"Crocin" is a natural antioxidant that eliminates free radicals, these radicals are responsible for cause the aging of the cells, it is good for the health in general and with a small amount you can take advantage of this benefit

Benefits for the digestive system

Saffron stimulates the digestive system, increases salivary and gastric secretions s, is an excellent appetizer and eupéptico remedy, the "crocetina" is a component that is responsible for stimulating the production of bile, avoiding the appearance of stones or stones in the gallbladder. It is indicated for people with digestion problems or inappetent, properties have also been demonstrated to protect the liver due to the food we consume.

Anti-cancer properties

Saffron can help delay the growth of tumors due to the flavonoids and beta-carotene that it provides, reduces the kidney damage that certain drugs can cause and lengthens life expectancy

Reduces toothache

Due to its anesthetic properties, in a well concentrated infusion of saffron and applied in the molars causes relief, it is also good for the problems with teething of young children, helps to heal sores in the mouth by making mouthwash.

Improves cognitive and learning skills

Due to its antioxidant power helps improve memory aya reduce stress , nerves and anxiety, also protects the brain and its benefits are studied in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's

Benefits to mitigate type II diabetes

Helps protect nerve damage caused by excess blood sugar and prevents vision problems, something which is normal with this disease.

Anti-inflammatory properties and reduces fever

Intake saffron helps relieve fatigue and inflammation of the muscles, also promotes sweating being ideal for fever.

Relieves menstrual pain

It is a powerful antispasmodic very good for premenstrual symptoms, favors the entire cycle, benefits the flow and prevents uterine cramps

Improvement of disturbances d the dream

Saffron, because of its sedative and aromatic capacity helps fight anxiety and nervousness, making it a good remedy for insomnia. p>