Saffron the mood lifter
Saffron is the world’s most expensive spice, so when you use it, you want to use it correctly. You’ll find saffron in two forms, threads and powder. Saffron threads are the whole stigma from the saffron crocus, while saffron powder has been gently dried and ground.
Like resources like gold and oil, saffron can only be found naturally in certain parts of the world.
Over 95% is produced in Iran in the Khorasan Province,
Other minor producers of saffron are Spain, India, Greece, Azerbaijan, Morocco, and Italy
Saffron is grown in soil with good drainage and cool weather conditions where there is sunshine during the day.
Saffron is the stigma (the female organ) of an autumn flowering crocus (Crocus sativus). The stigmas are used for cooking and to make medicine. The stamen is the male organ that holds pollen, and it has no use in cooking
• In foods, saffron is used as a spice, yellow food colouring, and as a flavouring agent.
• In manufacturing, saffron extracts are used as fragrance in perfumes and as a dye for cloth.
Saffron is nicknamed the “sunshine spice.” That’s not just due to its distinct colour, but also because it may help brighten your mood.
• Saffron is rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants, such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. Antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidative stress.
• May Improve Mood and Treat Depressive Symptoms
The stigmas and threads are harvested by hands, then dried- the result obtained is termed as the Saffron threads.
About 180000 flowers each containing 3 delicate stigmas are needed to provide 1 kg of saffron.
Depending on the type of saffron and where it was cultivated, 1 kilogram can cost anywhere from $1300-$7500. I have seen online locally 1gm is $8 and in a store it is $11.50
There are approximately 463 threads (about ½ cm to 1.5cm in length) per gram of saffron
Interesting…..
SAFFRON TEA is a sacred drink in Morocco. It’s said that it is a mood lifter, good for memory, circulation and is an aphrodisiac
USING SAFFRON
• The best way to extract flavour from saffron is to soak the threads in hot (not boiling) liquid for 5 to 20 minutes. Then add both the saffron and the liquid to the recipe. As the saffron soaks, you’ll notice the distinctive aroma indicating that your saffron “tea” is ready.
• Make sure to purchase saffron from a reputable brand or store to avoid an adulterated product.
Saffron has a very subtle flavor and aroma — some say it’s floral, some say it’s like honey, and some would just say pungent.
In general, just use a pinch in soups and stews that serve 4 to 6 people. Saffron is especially good when used in cooking paella (see my recipe for Vegetarian Paella in My Wholefood Community Cook Book), risotto and other rice dishes.
Saffron pairs well with flavors such as apples, almonds, cardamom, honey, nut milk or cream (try it in coconut ice cream!), cinnamon, vinegar, rose water, and citrus fruits
Crush and soak saffron to release its flavor. Saffron threads are quite frail and can easily be crumbled between your fingers, although for a more uniform powder, use a mortar and pestle. Measure (or count) saffron threads before crushing.
This is not a spice one would eat raw. Raw saffron does not have a pleasant taste.
ACCORDING TO WEBMD
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-844/saffron
Saffron is used for asthma, cough, whooping cough (pertussis), and to loosen phlegm (as an expectorant). It is also used for sleep problems (insomnia), cancer, “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), intestinal gas (flatulence), depression, Alzheimer’s disease, fright, shock, spitting up blood (hemoptysis), pain, heartburn, and dry skin.
Women use saffron for menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Men use it to prevent early orgasm (premature ejaculation) and infertility.
Saffron is also used for to increase interest in sex (as an aphrodisiac) and to induce sweating.
Possibly Effective for
• Alzheimer’s disease. Some research shows that taking a specific saffron product (IMPIRAN, Iran) by mouth for 22 weeks might improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease about as well as the prescription drug donepezil (Aricept).
• Depression. Taking specific saffron extracts (Novin Zaferan Co, Iran) by mouth seems to improve symptoms of major depression after 6-8 weeks of treatment. Some studies suggest that saffron might be as effective as taking a low-dose prescription antidepressant such as fluoxetine or imipramine.
• Menstrual discomfort. Some research shows the taking a specific product containing saffron, anise, and celery seed (SCA, Gol Daro Herbal Medicine Laboratory) reduces pain during the menstrual cycle.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some research shows that taking a specific saffron extract (Department of Cultivation and Development of Institute of Medicinal Plants, Iran) improves symptoms of PMS after two menstrual cycles.
Insufficient Evidence for
• Asthma. Some early research suggests that drinking an herbal tea mixture containing saffron along with anise, black seed, caraway, cardamom, chamomile, fennel, and licorice may reduce asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma.
• Athletic performance. Some early research shows that taking a chemical from saffron called crocetin might decrease fatigue in men during exercise.
• Erectile dysfunction. Some early research suggests that taking saffron might reduce erectile dysfunction and increase the number and duration of erections.
• Male infertility. Some research suggests that saffron might improve sperm function in men. However, the research has been inconsistent.
• Psoriasis. Some early research suggests that drinking saffron tea daily, along with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, might reduce the severity of psoriasis.
• Insomnia.
• Cancer.
• “Hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).
• Cough.
• Stomach gas.
• Early male orgasm (premature ejaculation).
• Baldness.
• Pain.
More evidence is needed to rate saffron for these uses.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
• For depression: 30 mg/day of a specific saffron extract (Novin Zaferan Co, Iran). A different saffron extract 15 mg twice daily has also been used.
• For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 15 mg of a specific ethanol saffron extract twice daily (Department of Cultivation and Development of Institute of Medicinal Plants, Tehran, Iran).
• For menstrual discomfort: 500 mg of a specific combination product containing saffron, celery seed and anise extracts (SCA, Gol Daro Herbal Medicine Laboratory) taken three times a day for the first three days of menstruation.
• For Alzheimer’s disease: 30 mg/day of a specific saffron product (IMPIRAN, Iran).
An Australian study by Researchers at Murdoch University in WA has shown the cooking spice saffron has the potential to be an effective treatment in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
According to Psychologist and co-author Dr Adrian Lopresti there are a few small studies that compare saffron with pharmaceutical anti-depressants and the effects were very similar and with no side negative effects.
Previously depression was believed to be associated with low serotonin, but research has confirmed that it is more complicated than that. Recent research shows that people with depression have high levels of inflammation as well as high levels of oxidative stress.
Saffron is a natural anti inflammatory and also a potent antioxidant plus it also has neuroprotective effects particularly with mood lifting serotonin. (Neuroprotective – serving to protect nerve cells against damage, degeneration, or impairment of function.)
Studies have used 30mg of saffron and Dr Lopresti suggests that around 10-20 threads a day in tea is a good mood lifter.
There are approximately 463 threads (about 1/2cm to 1.5cm in length) per gram of saffron
A small pinch equals about 20 threads; a medium pinch equals about 35; a large pinch is about 50
Evidence is growing but clinical trials are in its infancy.
Study shows saffron reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
Article by: AAP | Published: 13-03-2018
An Australian study has shown the cooking spice saffron has the potential to be an effective treatment in reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The spice saffron is being investigated as a possible treatment for depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents, with an Australian trial showing some promising results.
Researchers at Murdoch University in WA tested the impact of a high-dose saffron supplement on nearly 70 Australian adolescents, aged 12 to 16, suffering from moodiness or mild anxiety.
For the eight week randomised, double-blind trial, the adolescents were given 14mg of patented saffron supplement (affron(r)) or a placebo twice daily.
Overall, the teens on the saffron treatment reported a 33 per cent improvement in their mood, compared to 17 per cent in people taking the placebo.
The active treatment was also associated with “superior” improvements in anxiety levels as measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
Psychologist and co-author Dr Adrian Lopresti says the study has shown saffron has the potential to be an effective treatment that has very few side effects.
“Saffron was particularly effective in reducing symptoms associated with separation anxiety, depression and social phobia, and participants reported a reduction in headaches over the eight weeks as well,” said Dr Lopresti.
“Although cooking with large quantities of saffron may be prohibitively expensive, supplements are a far more cost effective way to ingest the spice. We are now working to identify the optimal dose needed to lift moods and how long the treatment can be used for,” he said.
While saffron may improve someone’s response to stress, Dr Lopresti noted it’s better to identify and treat the cause of stress in the first instance.
The researchers are now investigating whether the combined use of saffron and a pharmaceutical antidepressant works better than an antidepressant alone, in adults with depression.
Results of the trial, funded by Pharmactive Biotech Products SL, are published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Listen to my chat about Saffron below
