India is the second largest producer of Kesar, with an output of 6-7 metric tonnes of saffron. However, you must know that Jammu & Kashmir are majorly involved in kesar farming, and other regions in India are engaged in saffron high-quality output.
Beyond its vibrant color & delightful flavor, kesar has multiple health benefits. This article discusses the list of health benefits Kesar has and how this spice spices up our lives.
Kesar Uses in India
Kesar has been a significant component of Indian culture and its staple diets since immemorial. In India, Kesar is widely used in various ways: In India, kesar is commonly used in multiple ways:
Culinary Uses
Kesar is a leading aromatic component of Indian cuisines, incorporated in pilafs, kebabs, curries, and desserts (kheer, shrikhand, and laddu). Indigenous toasting has become a fancy feature of those dishes.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Kesar is considered a channel of rejuvenation and a sign of well–being in Ayurveda, the Indian system of traditional medicine. It is used for various purposes, including what it does with respiratory problems, digestive problems, menstrual or depression.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Kesarhold is an essential place in Ek Katha Hindu rituals and festivals. It is linked to religious rites, the sacred product offered to gods, and the center of ornamentation and decoration in the traditional set of clothes and accessories.
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Cosmetic and Beauty Products
Kesar is a common ingredient found in many products used in Indian cosmetics and beauty lines, including face packs, hair oils, and creams, all believed to have antioxidant and skin-strengthening effects.
Being a multi-use item, kesar is wholeheartedly accepted by Indian neighborhoods in areas like Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where they thoroughly enjoy its every aspect, whether it is aesthetics, gastronomy, or health.
10 Health Benefits of Kesar
Antioxidant powerhouse
Packed with crocin, crocetin, and safranal, the antioxidants that Kesar hinders are great against harmful free radicals in the body. These antioxidants fight against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. They are a significant root cause of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia, which are closely associated with aging.
Mood enhancer
As per Ayurveda literature, Kesar can remedy mental and emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. Essentially, saffron crocin and safranal are implicated in neurotransmitters in the brain capable of elevating mood and reducing stress levels.
Anti-inflammatory properties
One of the antioxidants in saffron stands out for its potent antioxidant properties. Consequently, it is helpful in arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and certain cancers, which are part of this group of cancers.
Improved digestion
Kesar has been noted to induce the production of enzymes in the digestive system and the bile. This has the effect of moving the food substances to the small intestine for faster digestion and eliminating issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Respiratory health
In Ayurvedic and Persian medicine, Kesar has traditionally been used to treat respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and cough. It is an expectorant; hence, it thins phlegm, helping clear the respiratory tract and relieve breathing difficulties.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Relief
Some studies have suggested that saffron can help ease some PMS symptoms, such as nausea, mood swings, and irritability, among others, due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties.
Skin health
Raw materials in Kesar have antioxidants, which protect the skin from harm caused by UV light and environmental contaminants. Moreover, it is suggested to have antibacterial properties and, therefore, can be utilized for treating skin disorders such as eczema and acne.
Potential anticancer effects
Preliminary research reveals that kesar might be beneficial in preventing some types of cancer as a comprehensive compilation of information implies anticancer properties for breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, studies that include more subjects should be done to verify these effects.
Blood sugar regulation
Some studies claim that kesar might aid in controlling blood sugar, which translates to diabetes and those prone to develop this illness.
Aphrodisiac properties
Kesar is an age-old sexual enhancer. As a result, it can enhance libido and fertility in both men and women, although scientific research on this front is quite scarce.
Bottom Line
Kesar offers various potential indiscernible health implications besides its culinary uses due to its peculiar therapeutic elements, such as antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Modestly including this healthy seasoning into your daily food intake might bring positive health effects and even aid in preventing and controlling multiple health conditions.