Use Saffron to Prevent Cancer, Alzheimer’s and Lose Weight

The Crocus Sativus Plant is native to southern Europe. When it blooms, it has a beautiful purple flower with several reddish strands (stigmas) in the middle of it. Each of these stigmas is carefully hand-plucked and then, they are commercialized as saffron.

Saffron and Its Health Benefits

Saffron contains crocin, a compound which is responsible for many of the plant’s effects on the mind and body. Saffron is also a great source of potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, selenium, iron, zinc, Vitamin A, magnesium, riboflavin, folic acid, Vitamin C, and niacin.

• For Cancer

There are many plants which have shown their benefits in preventing and treating cancer, and saffron is one of them. It acts as an antioxidant and destroys the cancer-causing free radicals, prevents cancerous tumors, kills cancer cells without affecting the healthy ones and reduces inflammation, which can foster cancer cell growth.

• For Mental Health

Your diet can directly affect your cognitive functions and mood. Saffron is one of the spices which improve your brain and mental health because it acts as an anti-depressant and enhances memory. Its effects are so powerful that researchers are studying saffron to determine its use in preventing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

• For Weight Loss

If you are struggling with extra weight, saffron will not only help you shed off unhealthy pounds, but it can also reduce the health risks associated with obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease. This amazing plant can decrease the cholesterol level and appetite, reduce fat absorption and lower blood sugar.

Ways to Use Saffron

Saffron is mainly used in the kitchen, adding flavor and color to various dishes. Because heat helps saffron release its flavor and color, you should steep it in boiling water, broth or alcohol before adding it to food. You can use saffron in soups, stews, paella, risotto, bouillabaisse, and many other dishes.

Try to buy dried whole saffron stigmas and not the powdered variety, which can be mixed with other ingredients. It should always have vibrant colors, so if it’s gray or any other light color, do not buy it.

Make Saffron Tea

Saffron tea has anti-cancer properties, prevents heart disease and improves eye sight. Add one teaspoon of saffron stigmas to eight ounces of water and let it steep for 10 minutes. The stigmas will dissolve in hot water. Give a stir before your drink this tea. You can also make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Other Uses

You can mix saffron with coconut oil and apply it to your face for 10-15 minutes for radiant and glowing skin. You can also combine it with olive oil and massage into the skin to moisturize it. If you want to stimulate circulation, simply rub some honey and saffron onto your face and then rinse with warm water.

Saffron is very sensitive to moisture and light, so store it in a container in a dark place. If it’s stored properly, it can last for years.