By: Cat Ebeling, BSN,co-author of the best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen,The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging&The Diabetes Fix

Did you know that saffron is considered the most expensive spice in the world?

Saffron has uniquely beautiful, exotic and healthful properties that make any dish amazingly delicious and good for your health. Saffron also, like many spices, boasts some pretty powerful medicinal properties as well. In ancient Egypt, it was used for gastrointestinal disorders, and in Roman days it was used for wounds and to relieve upper respiratory issues.

Saffron also has cancer-fighting, anti-inflammatory substances and has been put to use for a wide variety of treatments including coughs, colds, spasms, fevers, bronchitis, uterine bleeding, flatulence, and insomnia.

It’s also used for coughs as an expectorant, and it helps lessen asthma symptoms. In ancient Mediterranean cultures, the spice was also associated with strength, fertility, psychic sensitivity and sexual potency.

Saffron has been grown all over Europe, Greece, Spain, Turkey, France and Italy as well as India and China. Its high price tag is mostly due to the fact that it is very labor intensive to grow, has a low yield per plant, and is difficult to harvest. It actually takes about 4,500 hand-picked flowers to yield one ounce of this dried spice. Only three wispy ‘threads’ come from each saffron flower, which is a member of the iris family.

But beware of fake saffron. The high cost of genuine saffron makes it easy to end up with fake saffron, so read labels carefully and purchase from a reliable supplier. Also watch out for something called “meadow saffron” which can be very toxic and is quite different than genuine saffron.

Saffron is also well-known as a dye, as only a single grain can color up to 10 gallons of water with its signature yellow-orange hue. Precious saffron colors the robes of Buddhist monks in India.

While it would be hard to eat a whole ounce of saffron, this is a good way to evaluate its nutrition. It is super high in manganese which helps to regulate blood sugar, metabolize carbohydrates, and absorb calcium. It’s also very high in vitamin C, magnesium, and iron. But you don’t have to eat a whole ounce of saffron for its health benefits!

More importantly, like many herbs and spices, saffron contains more than 150 unique volatile compounds. One of them, picrocrocin, is the main substance behind its taste. Another substance, safranal is responsible for its fragrant smell. Crocin is another compound in saffron and has much to do with its intense color. Crocin signals that it contains powerful carotenoids and antioxidants and other medicinal attributes.

Let’s take a look at some of the top health benefits of saffron.

Fights Cancer

Saffron extract has been studied scientifically and is shown to have anti-tumor effects. In addition, topical applications of saffron extract have proven effective against stage 2 skin cancer, and taking it orally has shown to slow cancer cells in soft tissue and inhibit tumor growth in mice. Other studies show that saffron helps to reduce the negative side effects of toxic chemotherapy treatments.

In another clinical trial the effects of saffron for treating patients with liver cancer was studied. In the group treated with saffron, two patients showed partial and complete response (50%) whereas in the placebo group, no response was seen.

Treats Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is becoming a very common malady, especially among older males. It affects over 150 million males throughout the world. In ancient medicine, saffron has been used as an aphrodisiac, so it makes sense that it would also work well for ED.

In a study evaluating saffron’s on ED, 20 males took a tablet containing 200mg of the spice. At the end of ten days, there was a statistically significant improvement in erections, including a positive effect on sexual function with increased duration and events.

Heart Health

Components of saffron are also extremely valuable at improving heart heath as well. Saffron has been reported to help lower bad cholesterol and to help keep cholesterol levels in the healthy ranges. Animal studies show saffron to lower cholesterol by as much as 50%.

Saffron has antioxidant properties, which helps it maintain healthy blood vessels. In addition, saffron has strong anti-inflammatory properties as well, which also helps to lower inflammation in blood vessels, reducing the chances for blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.

In the Mediterranean, where saffron use is plentiful, people have lower than normal rates of heart disease, which may be attributed to a variety of diet and lifestyle factors, including saffron use.

Helps Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is associated with bloating, cramping, and mood changes. PMS affects 20-40% of women who are of reproductive age, making PMS one of the most common health problems reported by women.

One of saffron’s capabilities is its antispasmodic effect. In this study on saffron and PMS, women aged 20-45 were recruited to participate for six months. Results showed a significant improvement in both daily physical symptoms of PMS along with the depressive symptoms, as compared to the placebo group.

Helps with Weight Loss and Glucose Control

One of the biggest difficulties to overcome on a weight loss program is feeling hungry and having cravings. Snacking has derailed many weight loss plans.

Saffron has been shown to be effective at increasing satiety and taking away hunger for those on a weight loss program. One research study based in Malaysia, evaluated women on a weight loss program, who took a capsule with saffron extract in it vs. a placebo group. After two months in the study, participants using saffron reported a decrease in their cravings and snacking and lost more weight than the control group.

Saffron can also help to reduce blood glucose levels and increase insulin response, which is especially helpful for diabetics. The substance crocin in saffron was found to have anti-diabetic properties in diabetic rats fed fructose.

High blood sugar also results in Advanced Glycation End products (AGE’s). These AGE’s are responsible for excessive oxidation and inflammation which can exacerbate inflammation in blood vessels of diabetics, a key area of vulnerability. Crocin helps to lower inflammation and protect blood vessels, thereby helping to prevent the health complications that many diabetics manifest.

Treats Depression as well as Some Antidepressants

Depression is an increasingly prevalent mental disorder today, with growing numbers. Depression can affect people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control find that 1 out of 10 adults in the U.S. suffer from depression. By 2020, it is thought that depression will be the world’s second leading cause of disability.

It is thought that one theory of depression has to do with inflammation in the brain, so many treatments aim to lower inflammation, overall.

In the past 25 years, however, the use of antidepressant medications has gone up over 400%, with 11% of Americans taking antidepressants. One of the biggest problems with prescription antidepressants is the extreme number of severe side effects (up to 90% of patients) including anxiety, constipation, insomnia, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and even suicide.

Saffron has a long history of being used to treat depression, so it was scientifically studied to determine its effectiveness. Scientists conducted a six-week study on 40 patients who were officially diagnosed as suffering from major depression.

One group was given a saffron capsule twice a day for six weeks. The other group was given a placebo. The saffron subjects showed significantly better outcomes than the placebo group, without the adverse reactions that patients on antidepressant medication have.

The conclusion: Saffron was as effective as Prozac and other antidepressants without the side effects—especially sexual dysfunction. Saffron has also been shown to be highly effective in reducing anxiety as well.

Possible Side Effects of Saffron

Saffron has such powerful medicinal effects, it needs to be taken with caution, especially when combining it with any other herbal or medicinal supplements that lower blood pressure.

Some supplements to avoid include: Andrographis, casein peptides, cat’s claw, fish oil, CoQ10, L-arginine, stinging nettle, lyceum and theanine. Saffron can also cause severe asthma or nasal stuffiness if you happen to be allergic to it.

Consuming too much saffron can cause saffron poisoning resulting in:

-yellowing of the skin and eyes
-vertigo
-vomiting
-bloody diarrhea
-bloody urine
-bleeding from the nose, mouth, eyes

Do not consume saffron or take saffron supplements if you are pregnant, as large amounts (5-10 grams) can actually induce miscarriages.

How to Use Saffron

While saffron is very expensive, you don’t need much of this rare spice to impart a delicious flavor and color to your dishes. Saffron threads come from the long slender part at the center of the saffron flower, the stigma. The herb comes either whole in threads or ground into a powder. The threads usually have the highest quality flavor.

Saffron gives your dishes a spicy, pungent and slightly bitter flavor. It is perfect in rice dishes and goes with many Mediterranean recipes like seafood paella, risotto, or Indian saffron rice and adds a bright appetizing yellow color. It works well with many vegetables, meats, seafood and poultry. Saffron is available from many specialty markets or gourmet grocery stores.

Here are a couple of delicious recipes I found online.

Saffron Recipes

• Enjoy a bowl of Saffron Ginger Carrot Soup.
• Yummy dinner– Saffron Meyer Lemon Roasted Chicken.
• Delicous dessert Persian Saffron Pudding.

References
https://draxe.com/saffron/
https://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2013/7/A-Safer-Alternative-for-Managing-Depression/Page-01
https://foodfacts.mercola.com/saffron.html

The post Amazing, Exotic Saffron appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Falling asleep in front of Netflix again instead of rolling in the hay? Perhaps you need a little boost. Add in a few of these foods to get things rocking and rolling right away, and you won’t care what’s on Netflix!

While some of these foods have aphrodisiac qualities, others are good for your heart and blood vessels, getting blood to those crucial body parts. All of these foods contain numerous healthy ingredients, helping you look and feel better. And when you look and feel better, you are more attractive!

Here is my list of the top ten foods to rev up your sex life…

Figs

Figs have long been considered as a fertility food and they enhance pheromones, those sexy chemicals we secrete to attract the opposite sex. Figs, especially when cut in half, have a very erotic look and shape, similar to parts of a woman’s anatomy.

Figs have been associated with sexuality in almost every culture. In ancient Greece, the arrival a new fig crop actually initiated sexual rituals. Figs are also full of sexy antioxidants, flavonoids, fiber, and potassium.

Celery

While celery may have a reputation for being a bland and boring vegetable, it is anything but boring.

Besides being full of fiber, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and manganese, each stalk of celery is full of pheromones. Pheromones are released when celery is chewed, the odor molecules travel up your throat to your nose and then the pheromones boost arousal. Once aroused, your body sends out more scents and signals, making you more desirable to the opposite sex. Plus, eating lots of celery is said to make certain bodily secretions taste better.

Parsnips

Parsnips also contain high concentrations of androstanol (the naturally occurring pheromone that stimulates desire in females). These long, phallic-looking light brown veggies taste a little like a sweeter, starchier carrot. They are delicious in purees and mashes.

Parsnips have the added advantage of containing boron, which has been shown to help the body metabolize and utilize estrogen well, and also enhance blood levels of testosterone—good for both men and women! These and other root vegetables are rich in folate, as well as vitamins A and C, and studies have found they boost blood flow to the brain and essential body parts.

Avocados

Avocados were referred as by the Aztecs as “testicles”, probably because of their suggestive shape. But avocados are an aphrodisiac beyond just their shape. They are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, making them great for healthy, soft, smooth skin, and hair.

And internally, they are good for your heart and blood vessels. Keeping blood flowing well is essential for a healthy sex life and healthy blood flow prevents things like erectile dysfunction. Avocados are also high in omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin B6, both of which help to get you in a great mood, all that much better reason to jump in the sack!

Watermelon

Watermelons are a sweet, luscious, juicy, sexy food. They are also full of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as lycopene, antioxidants and minerals. Lycopene is also present in tomatoes and is a powerful cancer-fighter. And watermelon, another red-colored fruit, is full of this powerful phytonutrient! Watermelon has some of the highest levels of all fruits and veggies.

Watermelon rind (the white part that you usually don’t eat) is also full of a substance called citrulline. The citrulline in the watermelon is then converted into the amino acid arginine. Arginine is very useful to boost nitric oxide levels which help to open up blood vessels. This is also what Viagra does to treat or prevent erectile dysfunction. And, that folks, is a good thing!

Asparagus

Even the very shape of a big fat asparagus stalk is suggestive. Asparagus also contains a variety of nutrients that boost your sex life. Yes, back in the 17^th century even, Nicolas Culpepper wrote about asparagus saying, “…[it] stirs up lust in man and woman.” In the 1800’s in France, brides and bridegrooms were often served three courses of the sexy spears just prior to their nuptials to stimulate—well, you know. Oh, and by the way, the French word for asparagus is “asperge” which is slang for penis.

Asparagus also stimulates a natural body chemical called histamine. Now, most people think histamines are associated with allergic responses, and that is true, but they serve another purpose as well. Histamine actually improves erectile function and has a positive effect on both male and female hormones. Healthy histamine levels mean easier sexual orgasm, for both men and women. Please pass the asparagus!

Chocolate

We all know chocolate is for lovers, but do you know why? Dark chocolate contains something called phenylethylamine that releases endorphins—you know, those feel good brain chemicals. Endorphins are also triggered by exercise or sex, and they increase feelings of attraction between two people. So, eating chocolate around someone you find attractive—and sharing it, may create some sizzle!

Brain scans from a British study show eating chocolate causes a longer, more intense brain buzz than kissing. Well, I guess that depends on who you are kissing, right? Don’t forget to concentrate your love on dark chocolate that is full of antioxidants and healthy phenols, and don’t forget to share it with someone special!

Oysters and Red Meat

Ah, yes, you probably knew I was going to mention everyone’s favorite aphrodisiac, oysters. But what about red meat? Well, if you haven’t noticed, a nice fat red hunk of grass fed steak is pretty darn sexy if you ask me. But the reason both oysters and grass fed red meat are mentioned is because both are great sources of zinc, the mineral that curbs production of a hormone called prolactin, which at high levels can cause sexual dysfunction.

Zinc is also an important muscle-building nutrient, along with high concentrations of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA). Zinc increases levels of testosterone, an important hormone for desire and sexual performance for both men and women. Yes, women need testosterone too! For women, zinc nourishes the ovaries—the source of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, keeping them primed for bedroom action. Research also shows that for men, zinc improves sperm count and swimming ability as well as sexual potency in men. And of course, oysters and steak are full of tons of vitamins and minerals, including iron, which aids in energy and performance.

Honey

Yep, honey is definitely sexy, and it even looks sexy. That thick, sweet, gooey stuff promotes testosterone production in men and women—which we know is essential for desire. And, it also helps to metabolize estrogen in women.

Research shows us that honey can increase nitric oxide levels, opening up blood flow to all important areas! Honey has a long history of an aphrodisiac. This sweet sticky substance has been associated with bliss, romance, marriages, and honeymoons. Indian weddings, use honey as an offering to the groom as a symbol of sweetness in life. And Vikings used honey as a fertility booster, drinking mead (wine made from honey), as newlyweds.

Beets

Beets are considered a superfood and they are beneficial for all parts of the body! Beets not only look and taste sexy (try them dripping with grass fed butter and a squeeze of lemon), but they are full of vitamins and minerals to give you energy and endurance.

Beets are full of nitric oxide which increases blood flow to important body parts in both men and women, enhancing sexual activity, interest and performance. In fact, some studies have compared beets to Viagra, they are so effective. Regular consumption of beets actually opens up blood vessels and has been scientifically proven to be an athletic performance-enhancing food. And as you know, performance enhancement in the bedroom can garner you a first-place award! Enjoy.

There are many foods, herbs and spices that can enhance and improve one’s sex life. This is just a small sampling of some of the top foods that have a positive effect on sex for men and women. Just simply eating healthy foods including organic, colorful vegetables full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, along with wild caught fish and seafood, naturally raised meats, and healthy fats like butter and coconut oil, all contribute to an energetic and enthusiastic interest in sex with your favorite person.

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References
http://www.thehealthsite.com/sexual-health/eat-beetroot-for-better-erection-and-to-beat-erectile-dysfunction-d815/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3987372/
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307213,00.html#figs-1
https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a19547316/better-sex-foods/
https://www.eatthis.com/what-to-eat-to-taste-good/
https://www.thealternativedaily.com/eat-and-drink-these-9-things-to-increase-your-sex-drive/?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=N1804231.

The post The Top 10 Foods to Improve Your Sex Life & Boost Libido appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.