Saffron is one of the best-known plants for its culinary use, but whose healing effects are often ignored. Used as a spice for its pleasant aroma, saffron has properties that make it part of the composition of multiple food supplements.
The saffron plant
The botanical name of saffron is Crocus sativus, it is a small herbaceous plant that emits beautiful bell-shaped flowers, tendentially purplish, from whose calyx protrude three long stigmas colored with orange-red.
The stigmas, after drying, are turned into powder to be used as a spice. The coloring is given by the presence of carotenoids which attribute color and perfume (lycopene and zeaxanthin, crocin and crocetin, safranal) to saffron. Rich in vitamin A, B1, B2, C and mineral salts such as copper, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium manganese and selenium, saffron is also very rich in volatile essential oils.
Therapeutic properties of saffron
Therefore, besides being tasty, saffron is rich in substances and therapeutic properties for our body:
-It is an antioxidant, counteracts the oxidative damage of free radicals and therefore prevents cellular aging.
-Thanks to potassium, it is useful for regulating the heartbeat. And for eliminating excess fluids, with consequent lowering of blood pressure.
-Contains magnesium, essential for muscle contraction.
-Vitamin C which contains stimulates the immune system and promotes the absorption of iron in the intestine.
-It carries out an important activity of digestion regulation. In fact, saffron, taken in small doses, is able to stimulate the secretion of gastric juices, thus favoring digestion.
-It is also used for its action at the level of the nervous system, with positive effects on memory, learning ability, and mood. Indeed, it improves nervousness and mood.
-Useful as a regulator of the cycle and sedative of menstrual pain.
-It can be applied to topical use for various skin problems and to treat acne.
Side effects and dosages of saffron
Saffron, consumed in small doses, has no side effects or contraindications, but we must not forget that at high doses it is toxic and harmful. The maximum daily dose of saffron that can be taken is 1.5 g. This daily amount is sufficient to obtain the health benefits of an individual.
The side effects occur with the intake of only 5 grams daily. Among the side effects, for example, we find that of stimulating uterine contractions.
In the kitchen, the classic sachet is used, which can contain from 0.125g to 0.3g of saffron, and is sufficient to give flavor and color to large quantities of food.
Saffron and poor digestion
As mentioned, the digestive properties certainly stand out among the many properties of saffron. Poor digestion is a widespread problem and should not be underestimated because of the consequences it entails.
Digesting badly, in fact, besides causing immediate unpleasant sensations such as heaviness in the stomach, abdominal swelling, fatigue, acidity, and reflux, can lead to altered intestinal absorption with consequent diarrhea, meteorism. And alteration of intestinal bacterial flora. All this if incorrect, and therefore persistent, leads to a further worsening of the state of health.
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