Saffron and Serotonin

Do you agree compulsive eating is a sign of food addiction? Would you like to stop eating when you're full but can't bring yourself to push the plate away? Would you like to control the portions of food consumed but you tend to eat a lot more than you know you should? And do you eat to fill an emotional need rather than a physical need? These are all attributes of compulsive eating or food addiction.

Scientific studies on eating disorders found in the brain a link which promotes cocaine and heroin addiction was also linked to the cause of food addiction. They advocate the same chemical imbalance is present in both situations. The scientists also reported there is no medication on the market that can safely curb a person's appetite or cause them to lose weight.

Deeper research revealed there is a way to manage food cravings and manage depression. They found the answer in a spice that has been around for thousands of years. The saffron spice is promoted by the scientists as the answer to over eating and managing depression. The saffron was found to be a natural regulator of appetites and moods in individuals.

So you may be wondering how does saffron work in the brain? Saffron promotes the body's ability to increase the level of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain. Serotonin has the ability to promote a feeling of fullness in the individual. It controls emotional eating which is directly related to compulsive eating. That means if a person's serotonin level is sufficiently increased, then the chances of becoming obese are greatly reduced. Also an increase in the serotonin decreases the onset of depression. These are the two prime candidates for emotional eating. The individuals' cravings decrease and so does the chance of obesity
in the individual. They reported increased serotonin curbs the compulsive eating of sweets such as candy, cookies and other sugars that attribute to obesity and other health issues.

Saffron the miracle herb. The research scientists knew saffron has been used for thousands of years by Persians to treat sleeplessness and anxiety and a host of other illnesses. A group of French scientists wanted to test their theory regarding saffron on patients of normal weight. They found the test candidates reduced weight because the cravings were no longer an issue. They also had a more balanced state of being. The scientists further tested a group of obese candidates and they also had the same results. The individuals lost their cravings, they lost weight and their state of being was also more balanced. The theory regarding saffron was true. It did affect the serotonin levels in the brain. They were pleased to report reduced depression and reduced emotional eating.

Saffron is consumed primarily by in Mediterranean cuisine, in the Asian recipes and in Moorish recipes. It is prepared mainly as a seasoning in rice dishes such as risotto, pilaus and of course in fish recipes. The English use saffron in Cornish saffron buns.

While saffron is very expensive due to the harvesting methods, it is well worth the cost. Saffron can only be harvested by hand. People use the threads in the flower of the plant to make a variety of uses of the spice.

Good saffron is consistent in color. The harvested threads are brilliant red or deep orange. Do not purchase powdered saffron. There is a strong tendency to have fillers in the mixture to make the contents appear to be more saffron than there is in the container.

Purchase saffron in threads form. .Purchasing saffron in the thread form assures the buyer of receiving a legitimate container of saffron.The threads can be easily crushed between the fingers. But a mortar and pestle are recommended for crushing the threads. Only a pinch, which is about 20 threads, of saffron is needed in a dish. It will turn the contents of the recipe yellow.

Prior to adding saffron threads to a recipe, place a pinch of threads in hot but not boiling water for about 15 minutes. then pour the liquid and the threads in the recipe. The fragrance from the saffron thread will let you know it is ready to be used.

Saffron makes a great tea. A small pinch is all that is needed to make a highly enjoyable hot drink.

Saffron, the miracle spice, may be used for cooking; it may be used for medical remedies as well as a cosmetic aid.

• Used in cooking

If the dish is a desert or or a main dish such as a curry, saffron may be used to enhance the flavor. It may be also used as an ingredient in baking recipes and in confectionery creations. The uses are unlimited in cooking. And don't forget foods such as dairy which may be given a yellow color by adding a little saffron.

• Used in medical treatment

Saffron has properties which act as a stimulant. It may be used as an aphrodisiac. Saffron is also credited with reducing inflammation. Specifically, saffron is known to give relief for urinary tract and digestive tract problems. It is a good health aid for people with asthma and arthritis.

Common colds and coughs are arrested with saffron. Teenagers and others will be pleased to learn saffron works well on acne and other skin diseases. It can be used as an ointment and applied on sores. If a female has problems with menstrual pain, try a little saffron.

If you have stomach problems, try a little saffron. Liver and spleen problems may be aided with saffron. And the brain is known to benefit from use of saffron.

Saffron also helps with skin complexion. It makes the skin look and feel more youthful.