Saffron (Kesar)

THE SUNSHINE SPICE – SAFFRON(KESAR)!

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant. The dried thread-like parts of the flower (stigmas) are used to make saffron spice, food colouring, and medicine. Locally known as KESAR  , Saffron contains chemicals that might alter mood, kill cancer cells, decrease swelling, and act like antioxidants. It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce a single pound of saffron spice. Saffron is largely cultivated in Kashmir and Kishtwar regions of Jammu & Kashmir and harvested by hand. It’s one of the world’s most expensive spices. Here are some impressive health benefits of saffron :-

• A Powerful Antioxidant :- Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds. These act as antioxidants — molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.

   

• Cancer Fighting Properties :- Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as Cancer. In test-tube studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, while leaving healthy cells unharmed . This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and several other cancer cells .Test-tube studies have also found that Crocin — the main antioxidant in saffron — may make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs .
• Reduce PMS Symptoms :- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period. Studies show that saffron may help treat PMS symptoms. In women ages 20–45, taking 30 mg of saffron daily was more effective than a placebo at treating PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings and pain. Another study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms like anxiety and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol .
• Reduces appetite and aid weight loss :- Snacking is a common habit that may cause you to gain weight. According to research, saffron may help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite. In one 8-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly more full, snacked less frequently, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group. In another 8-week study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index, waist circumference, and total fat mass. However, scientists are unsure how saffron curbs appetite and aids weight loss. One theory is that saffron elevates your mood, which in turn reduces your desire to snack .
• Reduces heart disease risk factors :- Animal and test-tube studies indicate that saffron’s antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging .
• Lower blood sugar levels :- Saffron may lower blood sugar levels and raise insulin sensitivity, as seen in test-tube studies and mice with diabetes.
• Improves memory in adults with Alzheimer’s disease :- Saffron’s antioxidant properties may improve cognition  in adults with Alzheimer’s disease .