Kesar Ka Kamal: Add Saffron In Your Winter Diet To Stay Healthy

Winter is an awaited season to indulge into warm delicacies like gajar ka halwa, makki roti-sarson ka saag and rogan josh. It brings a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits that not only satiates our taste buds but also helps in staying warm during winter. But along with these, winter also brings a lot of seasonal diseases like cold and flu. These diseases not only affect the immunity of the patient but also gets transmitted from one person to another. 

Therefore, it is important to take an extra care of yours and your family members during winter. But you don’t need not worry as our kitchen has lots of magical ingredients that has the power to protect against seasonal illness and build immunity. Ginger, honey, garlic and cinnamon are some common ones. But did you know saffron also known as kesar can help you in staying warm and healthy during winter? Being one of the most expensive spices in the world, saffron is mostly used to add flavour and colour to dishes like biryani and kheer. 

Here are four reasons to include saffron in your diet this season: 

1. Rich In Vitamins And Antioxidants 

Saffron contains a rich variety of plant compounds that acts as antioxidants and protect body cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. Apart from providing relief from stress and depression this spice is also rich in vitamin A, C and folic acid. 

2. Builds Immunity 

It is important to have a strong immunity system during winter in order to protect your body against diseases. Saffron is rich in carotenoids and bioactive compounds that not only improves immunity but also helps in healing, post-infection. 

3. Protects Against Seasonal Flu 

Including saffron in your daily diet can help in fighting against seasonal diseases like cold, flu, and fever. It has inflammatory properties as well that reduces the tendency of falling sick with a change in the season, not only in winter but also during monsoon.  

4. Good For The Heart 

Saffron is known to be rich in potassium that reduces the blood pressure and manages cholesterol level. It is also said to be beneficial for regulating blood sugar, hence reducing the risk of diabetes. Therefore, including saffron in the daily diet can be good for the heart. 

Apart from adding kesar to your main course and dessert recipes, here are two easy ways to include it in your daily diet: 

 ASIN ID - B074TH3KKB   

1. Saffron Milk 

Also known as kesar doodh, this traditional beverage is made by flavouring milk with saffron. Lots of nuts and dry fruits are also added to enhance the taste and make it healthier. It is a perfect homemade remedy to get relief from cough and cold. 

2. Saffron Tea 

Ingredients: 

  • ½ L water 
  • 1 tablespoon sugar 
  • 0.25 g saffron 
  • 1 stick cinnamon 
  • 1 tsp ginger (grated) 
  • 2-3 lemon wedges 
  • 10-12 mint leaves

Method: 

  • Heat water in a pan and bring it to boil. 
  • Once the water starts to boil, add sugar, saffron, cinnamon, ginger, lemon wedges and mint leaves in the pan. 
  • Let the tea simmer for 5-7 minutes. 
  • Strain the tea and serve hot.  

Add saffron in your diet and stay healthy during the chilly winter.