Saffron or Kesar, which is an important food ingredient, is packed with numerous health benefits. The saffron we add to give flavour and colour to our food can be added to water to make saffron water that is immensely beneficial for our overall health as it boosts immunity and gives us strength.
Saffron is the stigma of a flower that is used to make saffron spices. It is quite expensive because, from about 75,000 saffron flowers, only one pound of saffron spice is produced. Its petals are also used to make medicines.
Saffron is undoubtedly one of Ayurveda’s most valuable herbs. According to Ayurveda, saffron possesses a sattvic (pure) quality as it can balance all the three doshas—Pitta, Vata, and Kapha.
Benefits of drinking saffron water
A treasure trove of health benefits, saffron’s most noted health benefit is its ability to boost our mood, heal the nervous system, rejuvenate the tissues and nourish our reproductive organs.
Saffron can be consumed in various ways. We can use it as a spice, have as a milk decoction, herbal tea infusion, crushed and blended into various herbal formulas, or drink as cool saffron water.
Makes you feel fresh:
Take five or seven strands of saffron and soak in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink the saffron water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. This will definitely make you feel fresh and rejuvenated, especially if you need your caffeine fix. This is a healthier beverage and will give you the strength to focus on your work and activities throughout the day.
Aid in weight loss:
Saffron acts as antioxidants that can protect our cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. These antioxidants include crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. Crocetin is carotenoid pigments and is responsible for saffron’s red colour. These compounds have antidepressant properties, as a result, saffron water protects brain cells against progressive damage, improve inflammation, reduce appetite and aid in weight loss.
Saffron water may have cancer-fighting properties. Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases like cancer. Studies have shown saffron to have selectively killed colon cancer cells or suppressed their growth while leaving normal cells unharmed
Helps to control stress:
Studies have shown that Saffron water helps to improve our mood, memory, and learning ability. It also protects our brain cells against oxidative stress.
Good for respiratory problems:
Saffron water is good for asthma patients. It helps in giving relief to cough, sore throat, whooping cough (pertussis), and loosening of phlegm.
Treats depression:
This sunshine drink brightens up our mood. Studies have shown that saffron water treats symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.
Cure for sleep disorders:
Saffron water when taken regularly helps to cure sleep problems like insomnia.
Glowing skin:
Saffron water is great for your skin. If you drink it every day, it will make your skin smooth and glowing. Drinking saffron water also improves the texture of your skin and lightens it naturally. It also helps to remove acne scars and other blemishes.
Control hair fall:
If you experience hair fall, saffron water is good for you. Saffron is believed to contain antioxidants which can prevent hair fall and keep the hair nourished and healthy while strengthening the hair follicles.
Can be a substitute for sugar craving:
As saffron is good to taste, saffron water can help you if you have sugar cravings. Instead of indulging in sweet foods that can add unnecessary weight, have a glass of saffron water. It will satiate your cravings in a healthy way.
Relief in menstrual cramps:
When women suffer from menstrual cramps or have a light flow, saffron water can help in these conditions. It can alleviate the pain and make sure the flow is normal. However, you should consult your doctor before taking saffron water for this condition.
Reduce heart disease risk factors:
Saffron water may reduce heart disease risk factors. Studies have indicated that saffron’s antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging.
Lower blood sugar levels:
Saffron water is also believed to have the power to lower blood sugar levels and raise insulin sensitivity.