Benefits of Drinking Iranian Saffron Teas
Saffron is held in high regard and has many applications. One of them is saffron tea. Indigenous in Iran, Iranian saffron tea is brimming with aroma and saffron goodness. This crimson gold tea is known for its mood-boosting tendencies and health benefits and has been known for treating various health conditions such as chronic fatigue and stress, depression, and heart problems. Read on to know more about Iranian saffron tea and its various health benefits.
How To Make Iranian Saffron Tea
To make Iranian saffron tea, you begin by preparing saffron threads and hot water. Steep the threads in hot water and wait for a few minutes. This will ensure that the saffron is fully integrated into the water. Keep in mind that saffron can have a strong and bitter taste when you put in too much, so it is advised to mix it in with other tea leaves or add other herbs or spices such as cardamom. Saffron also goes well with vanilla if you want to minimize the intense saffron flavour of the tea. You can also steep the saffron threads along with rose water and sugar. It goes without saying that to get that premium saffron flavour, make sure to buy from a reputable source.
Benefits Of Iranian Saffron Tea
High In Antioxidants
Saffron is brimming with antioxidants which are beneficial for fighting against harmful free radicals that may cause diseases. The vivid red pigment of saffron threads is due to the carotenoid pigments of crocin and crocetin – notable antioxidants found in saffron. These compounds have antidepressant properties and protect brain cells from progressive damage.
Antidepressant Properties
Saffron is popularly known as the “sunshine spice” in Iran, and while its crimson gold colour plays a part, there’s more to it than the likeness in colour. There is a long-held belief that saffron contains mood-boosting properties and studies show that drinking saffron tea helps in treating mild to moderate depression.
Boosts Memory
The chemicals found in saffron – crocin and crocetin – are said to help in boosting memory and learning ability. These antioxidant compounds help in protecting brain cells that are crucial in processing and retaining information.
Reduce Risk Of Heart Diseases
Another benefit you can get from drinking saffron tea in maintaining your heart health. Saffron has been known to lower blood pressure, control your cholesterol levels, and lower triglyceride levels. It is also believed that the high antioxidant content of saffron plays a significant role in preventing tissue damage in the heart caused by bad cholesterol.
Cancer Prevention
Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, saffron was found to be effective in preventing and treating several different cancers especially colon cancer. Saffron has been proved to suppress colon cancer cells without damaging healthy normal cells in the process.
It’s pretty impressive for tea to have this much powerful health benefits which can contribute to one’s overall well-being. Iranian saffron tea can also come in many variants and the recipes are endless. You can choose to add rose water for a fresher floral aroma or pour in coconut milk for a richer taste. Make Iranian saffron tea a part of your daily ritual and enjoy its many health benefits.
