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April 15, 2024
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Saffron gives color and flavor to dishes and has medicinal properties.

Saffron is a plant in the ginger family, originally from Asia. Its most common use is in the form of spice, spice.

It can also be called turmeric, turmeric, turmeric and yellow ginger.

But in addition to flavoring food, turmeric stands out for offering numerous health benefits, especially due to the presence of curcumin, a flavonoid that is its main component.

Below are some of the proven benefits of turmeric, how to consume it, and recipe ideas that rely on spice as an ingredient.

6 Benefits of Saffron

Nowadays saffron is seen as one of the most complete spices in existence. Several studies have pointed out the advantages it offers to the body and the brain. Know the main ones:

Also read: 10 Foods That Can Prevent Cancer

1. Saffron has components with powerful medicinal properties.

Pâmela Miguel, nutritionist at the Functional Nutrition Clinic of São Paulo, points out that turmeric or turmeric (as it is also well known) has a large number of compounds with beneficial actions to the body, but it is curcumin, a flavonoid, its main component.

"Curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal action," explains the nutritionist.

2. Saffron is related to improved brain function.

Due to the presence of its compounds, turmeric has a role in increasing neurotrophic factor, which is responsible for the multiplication of neurons and formation of new bonds and synapses between them, thus improving brain function and reducing the risks of diseases such as Alzheimer's ?, says Pamela.

Read also: Get to know different seasonings and learn how to use them in your recipes

3. Saffron May Help Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Pamela explains that this is due to its potent antioxidant action, which fights the excess of free radicals that cause the so-called oxidative stress (which, in turn, is associated with cardiovascular disease).

"In addition, turmeric acts in reducing LDL (bad cholesterol)," adds the nutritionist.

4. Saffron May Help Prevent Cancer

Pamela points out that several studies associate the consumption of saffron with cancer prevention. Phytochemical components of turmeric have anti-inflammatory action, reducing inflammation in the body, and the development of tumors is related to a pro-inflammatory medium in the body. Studies also indicate that the phytochemicals present in turmeric inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells?

5. Turmeric Curcumin May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's

Due to its antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-aging action, curcumin prevents brain degeneration. Studies also indicate that an antioxidant-rich diet reduces inflammation, which in turn is associated with the risk of dementia and brain changes ?, says Pamela.

6. Saffron plays an important role in preventing different diseases.

Pamela recalls that turmeric contains a flavonoid, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal actions.

Such properties make saffron to prevent not only cancer, Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease, but also: arthritis, allergies, gastritis and diabetes.

Saffron: How to consume?

Pamela explains that saffron can be used as a spice for meat, fish, chicken. It can also be used in preparations such as rice, soups, sauces and pastas. Or, it can be added to natural juices.

According to the nutritionist, turmeric can be combined with other dried herbs to be used as a basic spice in everyday life. "Some herbal suggestions are: oregano, dehydrated parsley, dehydrated chives, dehydrated rosemary, dehydrated garlic," he says.

"Combining turmeric with black pepper is a good option too, as piperine favors the absorption of turmeric," adds Pamela.

The nutritionist points out that in the case of saffron in the form of root, the ideal daily amount is two to three slices. "In powder form, the ideal daily amount is one teaspoon a day (about 5g)," he says.

Beyond Cooking: Medicinal and Homemade Uses of Saffron

Turmeric can have uses that go beyond just giving a dish more flavor! Meet some of them:

Turmeric is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, in the form of teas or mixed with hot drinks such as milk. It can help treat colds and flu, for example. Just mix a pinch of turmeric with a cup of milk and a pinch of demerara or brown sugar.
It can also help to combat sore throat. Just sprinkle a teaspoon of honey with turmeric pats and slowly lick the mixture.
Turmeric can be used as a natural exfoliator for the skin, helping to remove dead cells, leaving the skin smooth and shiny. Mix three tablespoons of turmeric powder with a little water and apply to desired body part. Then rinse off.
Honey turmeric paste can also be applied to the face and neck to exfoliate the skin.
In the case of minor skin burns, cuts or wounds, turmeric can be a good ally due to its antiseptic properties. Mix some turmeric with aloe vera gel and apply to desired location.
Turmeric can still be applied on cracked heels. Just mix a pinch with coconut oil and apply preferably 15 minutes before bathing.

These are some examples of homemade saffron recipes. It is worth noting, however, that such recipes are not scientifically proven.

Ideally, the consumption and / or use of turmeric should be done under the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Contraindications and care

Pamela explains that turmeric should not be used by people who have gallstones because it increases biliary contractions.

"Pregnant and lactating women should also use it only with medical or nutritional advice, as it can stimulate uterine contractions," adds the nutritionist.

"Its toxicity is low, but excessive consumption (over 10g per day) can cause symptoms such as nausea, gastric discomfort, dermatitis," says Pamela.

Plant-specific allergies may also exist, according to the nutritionist. Therefore, although the product is natural, the ideal is always to use / consume with caution and preferably with professional guidance.

Where to buy saffron?

Saffron can be found in seasoned specialty stores, in markets, supermarkets and even online stores.

Pure Turmeric for R $ 1.65 at Grain Season
Turmeric for R $ 5.50 at Yamaguishi
Turmeric (Turmeric) for R $ 3,50 at Loja Relva Verde
Turmeric Powder Lotus for $ 17 at Everything Healthy
Turmeric Bombay for R $ 23 at Bombay
Saffron Kitano for R $ 6.59 at Emporium São Paulo
Saffron Carmencita Stigmas for R $ 32.89 at Sonda Delivery
Turmeric Zuppa for R $ 10,25 in the South Zone

Saffron is usually found in powder or dehydrated stigmas or as a root.

10 recipes that highlight the taste of turmeric

Discover delicious dishes that have saffron as an ingredient:

1. Saffron Rice: Tasty and simple to make, this rice is a great option for varying rice from day to day. It can be unmolded and decorated with tomatoes, parsley etc. Just use creativity.

2. Saffron and sea risotto: the recipe includes, in addition to turmeric, shrimp and squid kernels, among other ingredients. Good for both cooler and hot days and can even be accompanied by a nice glass of white wine.

3. Saffron, Mushroom, and Pea Wild Rice: A simple recipe that blends perfectly with meat to make a complete and tasty meal.

4. Yellow pepper and turmeric soup: a soup with a very intense and aromatic flavor, ideal for those who love peppers. Good choice especially for the colder days.

5. Sword fish with saffron and vegetable sauce: recipe full of color and flavor, perfect for those who love to taste a good fish. Tip for a weekend lunch, for example, being served with white rice.

6. Saffron and Shrimp Sparkling Risotto: Simple recipe, easy to prepare, but with a touch of sophistication and great flavor! Perfect dish when you are visiting at home (as long as they know they appreciate shrimp).

7. Minced meat with chestnuts and saffron: simple but delicious recipe with a special flavor coming from the mixture of saffron and chestnuts. It can be served with rice or just a leaf salad, for example.

8. Chicken tikka masala with saffron rice: This chicken is known as probably one of the most popular dishes in India. It blends perfectly with saffron rice, which is superbly prepared. A complete and tasty meal!

9. Pork-clad pasta and rice with mushrooms and saffron: a complete and different meal, ideal for a small dinner on Friday.The mushrooms match the saffron perfectly, leaving the rice with a striking flavor.

10. Saffron risotto with okra and bacon kabobs: The risotto recipe uses stigma saffron, broth and grated cheese. The sticks are simply assembled and the result is a different and very tasty meal.

Now you know that in addition to being a spice that makes a difference when preparing good dishes, turmeric or turmeric can have many health benefits. Of course, for this, it should be consumed regularly and preferably with the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor.