Kesar

Kesar (Saffron in English) is the most expensive spice in the world because it’s a very labour-intensive crop. Even so, its long list of benefits still makes it a sought-after spice.

What Is Kesar?

Kesar is harvested from the Crocus sativus flower. It is believed to have originated in Iran or Greece. It’s cultivated in North India but 90% of it is produced in Iran. Saffron is used in cooking as well as an Ayurvedic medicine for several health problems. Kasar is known as Kuṅkumappū in Tamil and Kuṅkuma in Telugu.

Kesar Benefits:

1. Boosts sex drive: Kesar is an aphrodisiac that boosts your sex drive while also improving erectile function and sexual satisfaction.
2. Promotes weight loss: Saffron can help reduce cravings and appetite while supporting weight loss.
3. May fight cancer: Saffron may kill cancer cells as well as suppress their growth. Studies have shown crocin in Saffron to be the reason for this benefit.
4. Improves eyesight in adults: Kesar can help adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) improve their eyesight.
5. Lowers blood sugar levels: Kesar improves insulin sensitivity which can lower blood sugar levels.
6. Combats depression: Kesar can improve your mood and combat mild-to-moderate depression.
7. Improves skin health: Kesar enhances your complexion by slowing collagen deterioration while protecting the skin from free radicals by using its antioxidants.
8. Potent antioxidant: Kesar contains antioxidants like crocin, safranal, crocetin, and kaempforol. These combat free radical damage and support the other benefits of Saffron.
9. Improves immunity: Saffron boosts your immune system with its many antioxidants, protecting you from colds and fevers.
10. May heal burn wounds: Saffron salve applied on burn wounds may help speed up the healing process because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
11. Combats baldness: Saffron may help combat baldness by promoting hair growth if used topically as a paste.
12. Improves memory: Kesar is shown to help Alzheimer’s patients improve their memory and cognitive function.
13. May reduce risk of heart disease: Studies have shown the antioxidants in Saffron may lower blood cholesterol levels to improve heart health.
14. Combats insomnia: Saffron can help improve your sleep quality by increasing non-REM sleep.
15. Reduces PMS symptoms: Kesar has helped many women combat PMS symptoms like irritability, cravings, headaches, and pain.

Kesar Side Effects:

Kesar is generally known to be safe for most people. That said, taking more than 5 grams at a time can have toxic effects.

If you are pregnant, you should avoid high doses of this spice since it may cause miscarriage.

You will also have to find out if the saffron you are getting is authentic or adulterated with other ingredients. Only buy pure Saffron or stick to Saffron supplements.

The Final Word On Kesar:

Kesar is a potent Ayurvedic medicine with high concentrations of antioxidants. It can improve sex drive while promoting weight loss, making it a great option for both men and women.

It’s also very safe and can be incorporated into your diet or taken as a supplement. Men looking to boost their sexual performance and drive can use Kesar containing Ayurvedic medicines.  Dr. Vaidya’s male wellness Ayurvedic supplement Herbo 24 Turbo also contains Kesar.  

References:

1. Mousavi, Bentolhoda, et al. “Safety Evaluation of Saffron Stigma (Crocus Sativus L.) Aqueous Extract and Crocin in Patients with Schizophrenia.” Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, vol. 5, no. 5, Oct. 2015, pp. 413–19.
2. Adalier, Nur, and Heath Parker. “Vitamin E, Turmeric and Saffron in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), vol. 5, no. 4, Oct. 2016. PubMed, https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/5/4/40.
3. Lashay, Alireza, et al. “Short-Term Outcomes of Saffron Supplementation in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial.” Medical Hypothesis, Discovery & Innovation Ophthalmology Journal, vol. 5, no. 1, 2016, pp. 32–38.
4. Samarghandian, Saeed, et al. “Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Effects of Saffron Aqueous Extract (Crocus Sativus L.) on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats.” Indian Heart Journal, vol. 69, no. 2, Apr. 2017, pp. 151–59. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28460761/.
5. Fatehi, M., et al. “Effects of Crocus Sativus Petals’ Extract on Rat Blood Pressure and on Responses Induced by Electrical Field Stimulation in the Rat Isolated Vas Deferens and Guinea-Pig Ileum.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 84, no. 2–3, Feb. 2003, pp. 199–203. PubMed, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874102002994.
6. Abedimanesh, Nasim, et al. “Saffron and Crocin Improved Appetite, Dietary Intakes and Body Composition in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.” Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Research, vol. 9, no. 4, 2017, pp. 200–08. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29391933/.
7. Gout, Bernard, et al. “Satiereal, a Crocus Sativus L Extract, Reduces Snacking and Increases Satiety in a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Mildly Overweight, Healthy Women.” Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.), vol. 30, no. 5, May 2010, pp. 305–13. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20579522/.
8. Maleki-Saghooni, Nahid, et al. “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials on Saffron (Crocus Sativus) Effectiveness and Safety on Erectile Dysfunction and Semen Parameters.” Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, vol. 8, no. 3, June 2018, pp. 198–209.
9. Modabbernia, Amirhossein, et al. “Effect of Saffron on Fluoxetine-Induced Sexual Impairment in Men: Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 223, no. 4, Oct. 2012, pp. 381–88. PubMed, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-012-2729-6.
10. A, Direkvand-Moghadam, et al. “Epidemiology of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study.” Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR, vol. 8, no. 2, Feb. 2014, pp. 106–09. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24701496/.
11. Khansari, Nemat, et al. “Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress as a Major Cause of Age-Related Diseases and Cancer.” Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, vol. 3, no. 1, Jan. 2009, pp. 73–80. PubMed, https://www.eurekaselect.com/93095/article.
12. Hausenblas, Heather Ann, et al. “Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) and Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Journal of Integrative Medicine, vol. 11, no. 6, Nov. 2013, pp. 377–83. PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24299602/.
13. Khazdair, Mohammad Reza, et al. “The Effects of Crocus Sativus (Saffron) and Its Constituents on Nervous System: A Review.” Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, vol. 5, no. 5, Oct. 2015, pp. 376–91.