You may have already consumed turmeric in your diet. But, after all, do you know its importance for the body?
Maybe you don’t know, but there are more than 100 species in the Turmeric family and the turmeric we know is one of them. The root is from the ginger family and has been used as an herbal medicine for around 4,000 years. In other words, as medicine.
Saffron has several health benefits. One of these is the fact that it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and also has anti-aging action. It is for these reasons that studies claim that it is capable of reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. And it also protects against different types of cancer.
However, this is just the beginning. Because turmeric has several other benefits and we will tell you what they are. In fact, it is important to highlight that turmeric is also recommended for everyone. In fact, it is only restricted to people who have rare cases of allergies to this seasoning.
Turmeric nutrients
A priori, it is worth highlighting that we will talk specifically about saffron. Because it is quite common for people to confuse this saffron with red saffron. In fact, red saffron is considered one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron is much more accessible.
Above all, this turmeric is very rich in minerals, such as potassium and also rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C and B6. In fact, due to these qualities, it can control blood pressure, prevent strokes, be an ally for immunity and also be beneficial for the brain.
What’s more, it is also rich in iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium and protein. Consequently, it will help prevent anemia, keep cholesterol metabolism regulated, help with the growth of bones and teeth, improve intestinal transit and other benefits.
More positive actions
Although we have talked about countless nutrients and positive points for consuming saffron, we have not yet talked about its main value. Basically, saffron contains that very intense yellow color, precisely because it resides in curcumin. In fact, it is a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.
Above all, the benefits of curcumin go beyond those we mentioned. In fact, if we were to talk about all the benefits it can offer you, we would be talking here all day. However, we will only mention the most important of these benefits, which have already been proven by several scientists.
For example, it can combat prostate, breast, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. In addition to reducing the risk of leukemia and myeloma. It can also detoxify the liver, is beneficial for the heart, helps control diabetes, combats depression and multiple sclerosis, and helps neutralize free radicals.
Discover the benefits of saffron
1 – Anti-inflammatory
Turmeric’s main component is curcumin, which is a super anti-inflammatory. Its action is similar to that of potent drugs used for this purpose. However, unlike these medications, saffron does not have side effects as it is a natural component. Therefore, a great substitute and super ally for health.
2 – Anti oxidant
Saffron has the antioxidant power of neutralizing free radicals and some substances that can damage cells. This is why it is an excellent ally against cellular aging. Its action can also prevent the occurrence of diseases, such as cancer, which is caused by damage to our body’s cells.
3 – Prevents cancer
Remember the free radicals we talked about a moment ago? They can damage our DNA and this is how cancer develops. However, if you use saffron, the risk of suffering from the disease is considerably lower, as its anti-oxidant action neutralizes these cells. But don’t think it ends there, even if the cancer already exists, saffron inhibits the cancer from developing and the tumor from growing.
4 – Improves arthritis symptoms
Just like in cancer, free radicals also play a role in arthritis. They degenerate and cause inflammation, which leads to stiffening of the joints and can also cause swelling and pain. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory action of saffron helps to reduce these symptoms.
5 – Improves brain performance
Research published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy in 2014 showed that turmeric can also help treat brain injuries. The research bathed the stem cells of an adult brain with a substance found in saffron. The result was that the bathed cells grew 80% more than the others, which did not receive the saffron substance.
Another disease that saffron prevents is Alzheimer’s disease. The damage caused by Alzheimer’s is caused by oxidative stress that interferes with brain function. With its antioxidant action, it prevents the formation of cells that cause this disorder.
6- Fights depression
Exactly, it has already been proven by some scientists that curcumin is effective in treating severe depression. In fact, if you compare it with antidepressant medications, it has even more benefits. Because it acts in a similar way to these medications.
However, it has no side effects and provides additional health benefits. In addition to being responsible for increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which cause a feeling of well-being in our body.
7- Beneficial for the heart
Basically, this is precisely because curcumin can prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. In other words, preventing oxidation automatically reduces the progression of atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. Because oxidized cholesterol is what damages blood vessels.
8- Facilitates weight loss
A priori, saffron can reduce the percentage of body fat. In other words, it can inhibit lipogenesis, the production of body fat. Furthermore, as it has anti-inflammatory action, it can prevent chronic diseases, such as obesity.
Because curcumin can reverse inflammatory symptoms associated with obesity. Among them, it can reverse insulin resistance (pre-diabetes), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and others.
9- Combate a acne
Basically, this benefit is due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Above all, for you to obtain these benefits you must apply it topically. However, we recommend that you talk and get advice from your doctor before using.
Recommended quantity
A priori, there are several ways to buy saffron. Above all, if you buy the whole root, use one or two slices a day. Now if you are going to use turmeric powder, it is recommended that you use a teaspoon, about 5 grams.
In fact, if you don’t have any type of problems with saffron, it is recommended that you use it regularly and daily.
How to use
If you have purchased the root, we recommend that you use the slices in juice, grated in salad or in the preparation of other dishes. Now if it is in powder form you can consume it in countless ways. For example, in soups, breads, cakes, cookies, omelets, juices, tapioca. And also in poultry, meat and stews, vegetables, rice, beans and peas.
Above all, our recommendation, if you use turmeric powder, is not to use it dry. Because if you don’t hydrate it, there’s a high risk of you ending up choking. Other than that, you can use it in any type of preparation, whether in liquids or food.
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Read more: How to replace salt when cooking without losing the flavor of your food
Sources: My life
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