saffron

What is saffron

Saffron is one of the plants that belong to the iris family. Saffron grows in the Middle East and parts of Europe, and is most common in Iran, India and Greece

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Because it takes three years from sowing seeds to producing flowers. It must also be picked by hand, and a large amount of dried flowers are used to obtain one kilogram of saffron spice

Kinds of saffron

There are four main types of saffron, which we mention as follows

Sargol: extracted from the tip of the saffron threads, it has a pungent smell, red color, free of yellow and orange threads, and high quality

Naqin: It has long strands, turns yellow to orange, and has a pleasant smell

Super Negin: It is considered one of the finest types of saffron, with long red threads, and free from orange or yellow threads

Pushal: It is the cheapest type of saffron, and the most readily available in stores

Nutritional value of saffron

Saffron contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and the following shows the nutritional value of saffron in one teaspoon equal to 0.7 grams

Calories: 2.17 calories

Protein: 0.08 grams

Fat: 0.041 grams

Carbohydrates: 0.458 grams

Dietary fiber: 0.027 grams

Calcium: 0.777 mg

Iron: 0.078 mg

Magnesium: 1.85 mg

Phosphorous: 1.76 mg

Potassium: 12.1 mg

Sodium: 1.04 mg

Zinc: 0.008 mg

Copper: 0.002 mg

Manganese: 0.199 mg

Selenium: 0.039 µg

Vitamin C: 0.566 mg

Thiamine: 0.001 mg

Riboflavin: 0.002 mg

Niacin: 0.01 mg

Vitamin B6: 0.007 mg

Folic acid: 0.651 mcg

Vitamin A: 3.71 IU

Allowed amount of saffron

It is permissible to take saffron in the following quantities

Take as a dietary supplement: 1.5 grams per day

For depression: 30 mg of saffron extract or 100 mg of saffron daily for up to 12 weeks

For the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: 15 mg of saffron extract twice daily

Menstrual cramps: 500 mg of a preparation containing extracts of saffron, celery seed and anise

Benefits of saffron for the heart

The benefits of saffron for the heart include

Saffron contains many different chemical components that may help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and provide protection against heart disease

A study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences found that saffron reduces the possibility of tissue damage caused by bad cholesterol

Researchers believe that the benefits and antioxidant properties of saffron may have a protective effect against heart disease as well

Crocetin (the active compound in saffron) protects the heart from diseases such as an enlarged heart

saffron benefits for women

Saffron offers the following benefits for women

Relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or premenstrual syndrome, which includes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as mood swings and other physical symptoms. Some women are affected by this syndrome more than others. Saffron may be a good option to relieve these symptoms without resorting to medication

Research published in Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that the benefits of saffron for women are an effective treatment for bothersome premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Another study published in the journal showed that saffron can be used as a good treatment to reduce menstrual pain in women aged 20-45 years. Where researchers found that 15 mg of saffron twice daily is effective in relieving these symptoms

Protect the skin from ultraviolet rays because it works as a natural protection factor to absorb ultraviolet rays, because it contains flavonoids