The Sunshine Spice – Saffron (Kesar)

Saffron is the most expensive spice of the world by weight. Saffron is derived from the flower of Saffron Crocus. The flower has vivid crimson stigma and styles known as threads which are collected by hand as they are so delicate. Every flower has only 3 stigmas. The labor intensive process of collecting these stigmas makes the spice very expensive. Only a couple of strands of Saffron in food do the job it’s supposed to do. It has a unique flavour which I simply love!

For me, more than the flavour of Saffron, what sweeps me off my feet are its health benefits.

• It’s has powerful antioxidant properties (Antioxidants prevent you cell against oxidation)
• It’s a mood enhancer and very good for people with moderate depression.
• It reduces PMS symptoms. I have personal experience with it
• It helps with balancing the Hormones specially in women with PCOS/PCOD
• It’s very good for Insulin sensitivity too as it prevents the sudden rise and sudden dip in insulin levels.

Even though Saffron is the most expensive spice of the world, having saffron works on the principle of less is more. Only 2-3 strands of Saffron are enough to do its job. You can add saffron to sweets, rice, vegetables, and etc. Best to soak it in a bit of water for 3-5 minutes and then add the saffron water and saffron to your food.

I have PCOS and my hormones can be all over the place if I am not good with my diet. This can put an adverse effect on my insulin levels as well (women with PCOS/PCOD will know!) To keep that in check, I soak 1-2 strands of Saffron in a bowl at night. In the morning I eat this saffron and drink the water that it was soaked in as well. I have been doing this since I came to know about PCOS and it has kept me going.

WARNING! Stay away from Saffron Dietary supplements. These are overloaded with Saffron and will cause toxicity in your body because of high dose. High doses for pregnant women are especially harmful because it can lead to miscarriage as high doses can cause uterine contractions. 1-2 strands a day is more than enough.

Incorporate this “Sunshine Spice” in your daily life to get amazing health benefits.