Kesar – Health Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects

Kesar is the most valuable spice in terms of its nutritional content. They are threadlike red stigmas with a yellow hue to them.

It originates from a flower commonly termed as Kesar crocus. The Greeks were the first ones to irrigate this spice.

But now it is widely cultivated in India, Iran, Greece, and Morocco.

Kesar has sweet and luxurious taste with a strong and unique fragrance. The names also know it of Zafran, Crocus sativus, and many others.

Nutritional Content of Kesar

According to research, 100 grams Kesar contains the following nutritional value:

• 310 Kcal of Energy
• 11.43 grams of Proteins
• 65 grams of Total Carbohydrates
• 11% RDA of Calcium
• 61% RDA of Iron
• 66% RDA of Magnesium
• 10% RDA of Vitamin A
• 252 milligrams of phosphorus
• 1724 milligrams of Potassium
• 148 milligrams of sodium
• 1.09 milligrams of Zinc
• 134% of Vitamin C
• 0.267 milligrams of Riboflavin
• 1.46 milligrams of Niacin
• 50% RDA of Vitamin B6.
• 3.9 grams of Dietary fiber

Cost of Kesar

Kesar/Kesar is the most expensive spice in the world. It blooms for only one week each year.

Farmers harvest the spice with their own hands due to their delicate nature. The cost of Kesar is from 10$ to 13$ per grams.

Health Benefits of Kesar

Following are some significant health benefits of Kesar:

• Healthy Drink with multiple benefits

Coffee with cardamom and Kesar makes a healthy drink for the heart. Yogurt and honey with an addition of Kesar and cinnamon make a simple and famous version of Lassi.

• Hair Growth

Kesar is not only effective when taken orally. It is also useful for the growth of hairs. For this purpose, mixing Kesar with milk to form a useful topical application.

• Anti-infective

Kesar is effective in treating fever and cold. To treat cold quickly, apply a mixture of Kesar and milk over the forehead.

• Antioxidant

Environmental pollutants are leading an increase in the occurrence of cancer cases globally.

These environmental pollutants cause toxicity of cells in our bodies. Kesar and its active compounds can fight against cancer cells.

• Sexual Performance

If you someone has trouble in their sexual relationships, then try adding Kesar in your diet.

Drinking warm milk with few strands of Kesar at bedtime will help give a boost to your libido.

• Stimulant of Central Nervous System

Our central nervous system is not only responsible for thinking. It helps to perform cognitive functions, memory, and decision making.

According to research, the extract of Kesar (especially crocin) is suitable to cure memory loss and Parkinson’s disease.

• Delayed puberty

Delay in puberty is a severe problem for many. Not many people acknowledge it. This condition is often resolved by taking medicines.

However, a small pinch of Kesar In warm milk can cause stimulation of hormones. It helps in starting the menstrual cycle in young girls.

• Coloring Agent

Artificial colorants constitute of chemicals. These coloring agents also produce carcinogenic effects in excess quantity.

Kesar is a good replacement for food colors. For FD and C yellow number 5, Kesar yellow is acceptable. The addition of Kesar to our cuisine will also not produce side effects.

MEDICAL USES

• Depression

Depression is a real problem in the modern world. People suffering from depression do not recognize the symptoms.

This disease often accompanies other harmful actions in the long run.

According to studies, Kesar serves as an antidepressant drug. The intake of Kesar or extract of Kesar improves the symptoms related to depression.

People who add Kesar to their diet have reported a decrease in their stress levels.

• Premenstrual Syndrome

Symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome usually involve cramps and bloating. By consumption of specific extract of Kesar, improves the symptoms of PMS.

Women generally drink warm milk with Kesar to subside menstrual cramps. This is due to the anti-inflammatory effects of this spice.

• Alzheimer

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease. It is genetic and can affect a person of any age.

This condition gradually weakens the memory of the patient. Consumption of Kesar extract for 22 weeks helps to prevent the signs of Alzheimer’s.

• Obesity and Heart Attacks

Obesity in developed countries is a significant source of cardiovascular disorders. Our stationary lives and bad lifestyle has made many of us suffer from this condition.

Kesar plays a substantial role in reducing weight. That is because of its ability to cut down the intake of snacks and control appetite.

When people cut down on weight, they also become less prone to getting heart attacks.

• Diabetes

Diabetic patients secrete insufficient levels of insulin. Other reasons for this condition also involves decrease sensitivity of insulin receptors.

Kesar help to increase the sensitivity of these receptors. Ultimately, it lowers blood sugar levels. It also prevents the development of symptoms of hyperglycemia.

• Arthritis

Low levels of calcium can cause bones to become brittle and weak. It can lead to the development of arthritis.

Kesar aids in lowering cortisol levels and boost up estrogen levels. It creates a positive impact on the bone’s health.

Additionally, it contains 11% RDA of calcium, which helps to make the bones strong.

• The Immune System

Kesar increases the count of white blood cells present in the body. It boosts up immunity power without increasing the risk of other issues related to blood.

SIDE EFFECTS OF KESAR

Kesar is safe to consume and tolerated by almost everyone. The following are some warnings and side effects of Kesar.

• Palpitation

The overconsumption of Kesar can increase the heart rate. If you experience this symptom, please visit your general physician.

• Allergy

People who are allergic to olive, or Lolium plants, can be allergic to kesar as well.

• Blood pressure

The intake of Kesar may affect the person who already has low blood pressure. Therefore, it is not advisable for such people to consume kesar. It may lead to an emergency.

• Bipolar Disorder

The intake of Kesar affects the mood, so a person with bipolar disorder must avoid Kesar.

• Pregnancy

Overconsumption of Kesar causes the contraction of the uterus. It can also lead to a miscarriage of the fetus.

REACTION WITH MEDICINES

Using anti-hypertensive drugs, along with Kesar, is harmful. It may cause an additive effect that can drastically lower blood pressure.

It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking both at the same.

CONCLUSION

Kesar is a unique spice. It has a distinct aroma and taste. The cultivation of this spice requires extreme precautions. It is the reason that it is incredibly costly.

Not every person can afford to buy Kesar.

However, the nutritional benefits of this spice are huge. But it is advisable to consume it in normal amounts. As excess quantity can lead to side effects.