It is the most expensive spice in the world and has been prized for thousands of years for its rich flavor and its ability to be used as a natural food pigment.
The spice saffron, which comes from the little purple saffron crocus flower is used not only for food flavoring and color but is also known to have medicinal uses.
For Alzheimer’s Disease
Those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease could find help for their condition with the help of saffron. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in the year 2010 was able to show as much.
As a Cancer Inhibitor
Saffron is known to have certain tumor inhibiting properties. It is elements such as Crocin, Safranal and Picrocrocin that saffron is known to contain, that helps to inhibit progress of human cancer cells.
To Elevate the Mood
Saffron is known to have certain properties that cause people to feel feelings of joy and happiness, which is why large amounts of the spice or its tea, may help to relieve depression.
Good for the heart
In Chinese medicine, this spice, which is native to South West Asia, has long been used as a way to help cure bruising and for improving blood circulation.
Saffron is known to possess an active ingredient called Crocetin, for which there is some evidence to suggest could lower triglyceride levels and high cholesterol. Arthritis and arthrosclerosis are also conditions that saffron can help with.
For the Eyes
The Macular degeneration in the eyes that comes from advancing age, is clinically shown to improve with the help of saffron, thus keeping failing vision and blindness at bay which is a common ailment of the elderly.
As an Antioxidant
Saffron is also effective as a fighter of free radicals and its ingredient Safranal is known to have antioxidant properties.
