Did you know that saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world? Saffron is expensive because it’s difficult to harvest, but it’s worth buying if you want to reap its health benefits, which include boosting your mood and preventing oxidative stress.

Saffron, the antioxidant-rich superfood

Saffron has a strong fragrance and a unique color. Health experts suggest that saffron’s high antioxidant levels may be responsible for its many health benefits. Saffron comes from the Crocus sativus flower, a cousin of the lily. The spice is derived from the stigma and styles or threads of the flower itself. Saffron is very expensive because it’s very difficult to harvest. Farmers harvest the delicate threads from each flower by hand.

Once the threads are gathered, farmers heat and cure the threads to bring out the flavor of saffron. This extra step makes saffron one of the most expensive spices in existence.

The health benefits of the world’s most expensive spice

Studies have found that saffron offers the following benefits:

Saffron is full of antioxidants

A 2015 review found that the main active antioxidants in saffron are crocin, picrocrocin and safranal. The spice also contains other compounds like kaempferol and crocetin. These antioxidants help prevent oxidative stress and free radical damage, two factors that are linked to the development of many diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.

Saffron can help boost your mood

Research suggests that saffron can help improve mood and be used as a natural treatment for depression. One study also revealed that saffron extract can increase dopamine levels in the brain without changing the levels of other brain hormones like serotonin.

Findings from another study show that taking 30 milligrams (mg) of saffron each day has similar effects to taking prescription drugs like imipramine and fluoxetine, which are used to treat mild to moderate depression.

Saffron can prevent nervous system disorders

The antioxidants in saffron can also help protect the body from disorders that affect the nervous system. According to a 2015 study, compounds in saffron like crocin can help minimize inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain. They also offer beneficial effects.

In a separate study, scientists found that saffron can help with Alzheimer’s symptoms because it has memory-enhancing properties, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They also found that volunteers with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s who took saffron for 22 weeks experienced cognitive improvements similar to those experienced by people who took the drug donepezil. The volunteers who took saffron also reported fewer side effects.

Continued research is necessary to determine the potential benefits of the spice, but researchers believe future clinical trials could help back up these claims.

Saffron can promote weight loss

One study reported that consuming saffron can help volunteers with coronary artery disease reduce their body mass index (BMI), total fat mass and waist circumference. Its findings also showed that the group that took saffron supplements experienced a reduction in appetite.

Saffron can help reduce PMS symptoms

In a 2015 review, researchers analyzed existing studies on saffron and PMS symptoms. The authors reported that women aged 20 to 45 years who took 30 mg of saffron each day had fewer symptoms than those given a placebo.

The researchers also shared that the women who smelled saffron for 20 minutes had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their system, which they believe helped contribute to the reduction in their PMS symptoms.

Considerations when taking saffron

Saffron is considered safe for regular use. To ensure that you don’t consume too much saffron, you can use saffron as a spice while cooking.

Taking up to 1.5 grams of saffron daily is generally safe, but consuming more than this may be toxic. Health experts warn that five grams of saffron is a toxic dose.

If you’re not used to taking saffron, consult your physician to check for possible drug or allergic interactions. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking saffron, seek medical help immediately.

Very high dosages of saffron may be more dangerous for certain people. In one study, researchers found that pregnant women should avoid consuming more than five grams of saffron per day because the spice has a stimulating effect on the uterus.

Cooking with saffron

Saffron is available as a spice, a supplement or a bulb that you can grow in your home garden. Buy saffron in health food stores or online.

You can easily enhance the flavor of a meal with saffron by adding a few strands of the spice to one cup of hot water. This helps pull most of the flavor from the saffron. Once you’re done cooking, add the water and saffron to a savory dish.

Chickpea and saffron stew

Try the recipe below to make a delicious saffron-based stew!

Ingredients for 3-4 servings:

• 4 cups of baby spinach
• 2-3 cups of fresh chickpeas (or 2 cans of chickpeas, rinsed and drained)
• 1 28-oz can of whole peeled tomatoes, use the tomatoes only and leave out the juice
• 2 cups of veggie broth
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2-4 tablespoons sherry vinegar (Use more or less, depending on how tangy you want the stew to be.)
• 3 teaspoons of paprika
• 2 teaspoons of saffron
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 3 shallots (or 1 small onion), chopped
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Drain the peeled tomatoes. Place the whole tomatoes in a small bowl and use a fork to gently break them apart. Set the tomatoes aside.
2. Get a large pot and heat the olive oil then add the onions and a few pinches of salt. Let the onions cook on low to medium heat until it turns translucent or for at least five minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin and paprika to the onions. Cook the mixture for about 30 seconds or more, but stir frequently and don’t let them burn.
4. Add two tablespoons of sherry vinegar and stir to remove any small bits sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add the tomatoes and cook until the mixture bubbles for a couple of minutes.
5. Add the saffron, red pepper flakes, chickpeas and broth. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes.
6. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. Taste the stew and add seasonings as needed.
7. Serve the stew with crusty bread and a glass of wine.
8. Refrigerate or freeze the leftovers. The stew will taste better the next day!

Saffron may be an expensive spice, but it’s worth having in your pantry because of its many health benefits. Add saffron to your regular diet to boost your mood and promote weight loss.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

LoveAndLemons.com