Turmeric gives color and flavor to dishes and has medicinal properties

Turmeric is a plant from the ginger family, originally from Asia. Its most common use is in the form of seasoning, spice.

It can also be called turmeric, turmeric, turmeric and yellow ginger.

But, in addition to adding flavor to food, turmeric stands out for offering numerous health benefits, especially due to the presence of curcumin, a flavonoid that is its main component.

Below, you can find the proven benefits of saffron, how to consume it, and recipe ideas that use the spice as an ingredient.

6 benefits of saffron

Today saffron is seen as one of the most complete spices there is. Several studies have pointed out the benefits it offers to the body and brain. Discover the main ones:

1. Saffron has components with powerful medicinal properties

Pâmela Miguel, nutritionist at the Clínica de Nutrição Functional de São Paulo, highlights that turmeric or turmeric (as it is also well known) has a large number of compounds with beneficial actions to the body, but its main component is curcumin, a flavonoid.

“Curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal action”, explains the nutritionist.

2. Saffron is linked to improved brain function

“Due to the presence of its compounds, saffron has the role of increasing the neurotrophic factor, which is responsible for the multiplication of neurons and the formation of new connections and synapses between them, thus improving brain function and reducing the risks of diseases such as Alzheimer’s”, says Pamela.

3. Turmeric may help reduce the risk of heart disease

Pamela explains that this is due to its potent antioxidant action, which fights excess free radicals, which cause the so-called oxidative stress (which, in turn, is associated with cardiovascular disease).

“In addition, saffron has an effect on reducing LDL (bad cholesterol)”, adds the nutritionist.

4. Turmeric can help prevent cancer

Pâmela points out that several studies associate the consumption of saffron with the prevention of cancer. “The phytochemical components of saffron have anti-inflammatory action, reducing inflammation in the body, and the development of tumors is related to a pro-inflammatory environment in the body. Studies also indicate that the phytochemicals present in saffron inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells”, he explains.

5. Turmeric Curcumin May Help Prevent and Treat Alzheimer’s

“Due to its antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-aging action, curcumin prevents brain degeneration. Studies also indicate that a diet rich in antioxidants reduces inflammation which, in turn, is associated with the risk of dementia and brain changes,” says Pâmela.

6. Saffron plays an important role in preventing different diseases

Pâmela recalls that turmeric contains a flavonoid, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal actions.

Such properties make saffron act in the prevention, not only of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases, but also: arthritis, allergies, gastritis and diabetes.

Saffron: how to consume?

Pâmela explains that saffron can be used as a seasoning for meat, fish and chicken. “It can also be used in preparations such as rice, soups, sauces and pasta. Or even, it can be added to natural juices.”

According to the nutritionist, turmeric can be combined with other dried herbs to be used as a basic spice in everyday life. “Some herbal suggestions are: oregano, dried parsley, dried chives, dried rosemary, dried garlic,” she says.

“Combining saffron with black pepper is a good option too, as piperine favors saffron absorption”, adds Pâmela.

The nutritionist highlights that, in the case of saffron in the form of a root, the ideal daily amount is two to three slices. “In powder form, the ideal daily amount is one teaspoon a day (approximately 5g),” she says.

Beyond cooking: medicinal and home uses of saffron

Turmeric can have uses beyond just adding flavor to a dish! Meet some of them:

• Saffron is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, in the form of teas or mixed with hot drinks such as milk. It can help treat colds and flu, for example. Just mix a pinch of turmeric with a cup of milk and a pinch of demerara or brown sugar.
• It can also help fight a sore throat. Just sprinkle a teaspoon of honey with pinches of turmeric and slowly lick the mixture.
• Turmeric can be used as a natural exfoliant for the skin, helping to remove dead cells, leaving the skin smooth and glowing. Mix three tablespoons of turmeric powder with a little water and apply to the desired body part. Then rinse.
• The turmeric paste with honey can also be applied to the face and neck to exfoliate the skin.
• In the case of minor skin burns, cuts or wounds, turmeric can be a good ally due to its antiseptic properties. Mix some turmeric with aloe vera gel and apply to the desired location.
• Saffron can be applied even on cracked heels. Just mix a pinch with coconut oil and apply preferably 15 minutes before showering.

These are some examples of homemade saffron recipes. It is worth noting, however, that such recipes have no scientific proof.

The ideal is that the consumption and/or use of saffron is done under the guidance of a professional nutritionist or doctor, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Contraindications and care

Pamela explains that turmeric should not be used by people who have gallstones, as it increases bile contractions.

“Pregnant and lactating women should also use it only with medical or nutritional guidance, as it can stimulate uterine contractions”, adds the nutritionist.

“Its toxicity is low, however, exaggerated consumption (above 10g per day) can cause symptoms, such as nausea, gastric discomfort, dermatitis”, guides Pâmela.

Plant-specific allergies can also exist, according to the nutritionist. Therefore, even if the product is natural, the ideal is always to use/consume with caution and, preferably, with professional guidance.

Where to buy turmeric?

It is possible to find saffron in specialized stores that work with spices, in markets, supermarkets and even in online stores.

• Pure turmeric for R$1.65 at Estação dos Grains
• Turmeric for R$5.50 at Yamaguishi
• Saffron (Turmeric) for R$3.50 at the Relva Verde store
• Turmeric Powder Lotus for R$17 at Tudo Saudável
• Bombay Turmeric for R$23 in Bombay
• Kitano saffron for R$6.59 at Emporium São Paulo
• Saffron Carmencita Stigmas for R$32.89 at Sonda Delivery
• Turmeric Zuppa for R$10.25 in Zona Sul Atende

Saffron is usually found in powder or in the form of dehydrated stigmas, or even as a root.

10 recipes that show the taste of turmeric

Discover delicious dishes that have saffron as an ingredient:

1. Saffron rice: tasty and simple to make, this rice is a great option to vary your everyday rice. It can be unmoulded and decorated with tomatoes, parsley, etc. Just use creativity.

2. Saffron and sea risotto: the recipe includes, in addition to turmeric, shrimp and squid, among other ingredients. Good choice for both cooler and very hot days and can even be accompanied by a nice glass of white wine.

3. Wild saffron rice, mushrooms and peas: simple recipe to make and that goes perfectly with meat, forming a complete and very tasty meal.

4. Yellow pepper and saffron soup: a soup with a very intense and aromatic flavor, ideal for those who love peppers. Good choice especially for colder days.

5. Swordfish with saffron sauce and vegetables: recipe full of color and flavor, perfect for those who love to taste good fish. Tip for a weekend lunch, for example, being served with white rice.

6. Risotto with saffron and shrimp: simple recipe, easy to prepare, but with a touch of sophistication and a lot of flavor! Perfect dish for when you have guests at home (as long as you know they like shrimp).

7. Minced meat with chestnuts and saffron: simple recipe, but delicious and with a very special flavor coming from the mixture of saffron and chestnuts. It can be served with rice or just a salad of leaves, for example.

8. Chicken tikka masala with saffron rice: This chicken is known as probably one of the most popular dishes in India. It goes perfectly with saffron rice, which is prepared in a super simple way. A complete and tasty meal!

9. Pork mignon in puff pastry and rice with mushrooms and saffron: a complete and different meal, ideal, for example, for a little Friday dinner. The mushrooms marry perfectly with the saffron, leaving the rice with a strong flavor.

10. Saffron risotto with okra and bacon skewers: the risotto recipe uses saffron in stigma, beef broth and grated cheese. The chopsticks are simply assembled and the result is a different and very tasty meal.

Now you know that, in addition to being a spice that makes a difference when preparing good dishes, saffron or turmeric can bring several health benefits. Of course, for this, it must be consumed regularly and preferably under the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.