The little known benefits of saffron

Saffron is a spice widely used in Spain as an aromatic dye. It is an orangey-red color and has a strong and penetrating smell, making it ideal for many different culinary preparations. But in addition to decorating dishes, we can tell you about its health benefits that you probably didn't know about:

1.    It helps us to cook more healthily
It is a condiment that gives flavor to dishes without adding fat or salt and, therefore, does not increase their caloric intake.

2.    Good for the digestive system
Thanks to its bitter components, it improves liver function and increases salivary and gastric secretions, and is a natural remedy to improve appetite and improve digestion.

3.    It is a powerful antioxidant
Its main component is crocin, a natural antioxidant that eliminates free radicals, responsible for causing cell aging. It also helps us prevent diseases and slow down the aging process.

4.    It's good for the memory
Also related to its antioxidant power, it helps improve cognitive and learning abilities, and is also a wonderful complement for those who suffer from stress, nerves or anxiety.

In addition, it protects the brain and its properties are being studied to treat degenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or memory loss).

TIP: For days when you feel stressed out, drink a cup of tea made with 0.5 grams of saffron per 250 ml of boiling water.

5.    It improves vision
Not only due to its antioxidants, but also due to the safranal (which gives it its characteristic aroma), which slows down the degeneration process of light-receiving cells and improves the functions of the retina and the blood vessels in the eyes.

6.    It helps prevent cardiovascular diseases
The red pigment in saffron reduces cholesterol, and improves the health of the arteries.

7.    It has anticancer properties
The flavonoids and beta-carotenes in saffron help slow down the growth of tumors.