Record-Breaking: Saffron in the Keep Fit Kitchen

In the Ayurveda art of healing, as well as in traditional Chinese Medicine, saffron is said to have energizing and vitalizing properties. The red saffron stigmas are also said to have regenerative properties. That’s why saffron is such a miracle cure – or better still, an all-round cure – popular even as far back as the days of the Pharaohs.

Nowadays, numerous scientific studies support the naturopathic beliefs from various sources. So, it’s highly interesting, to look at saffron in connection with fitness-orientated lifestyles.

Increased Performance

Saffron can strengthen the heart and lungs, and calm the nerves as well as increase concentration. That is why even in folkloric medicine this crocus type has long been known to soothe the nerves.

Indeed, the powerful ingredients of saffron turn the spice into a true superfood for all athletes. The Red Gold is especially beneficial when used before a competition. We think you just couldn’t beat a saffron pasta dish at the pasta party before a marathon, half-marathon or similar.

Advantages in Endurance Sports

Saffron‘s reputation as a “miracle cure“ is, amongst other things, attributable to treating anaemia as far back as 1600BC. These, and numerous other treatment options, have been found in the medical Ebers Papyrus from Ancient Egypt. Saffron has strengthening properties and feeds all cells, but particularly blood cells. This is exciting, because the stimulating effects of saffron on blood production can be of great importance for endurance athletes.

Due to various factors, runners, triathletes and co are particularly at risk of developing anaemia. Not for nothing is it known in laymen’s terms as “Runner’s Anaemia”. Besides foods rich in iron, tasty saffron dishes should be on every athlete’s meal plan. And by the way: fatigue, lack of motivation, as well as delayed recovery times, can indicate iron deficiency.

Improved Recovery

Exercise is healthy, but it also puts stress onto the body’s immune system. If not enough recovery time is allowed, the bone marrow lacks the energy for cell regeneration because it is busy with an excess of repair jobs. From exhaustion right up to a complete burnout or over-training can be the result. Sufficient rest times are not just required for intensive competitions or strict training regimes. Anyone who exercises regularly should make sure that the body gets enough rest.

To further support recovery periods, we recommend frequent yummy after-workout-treat-meals topped off with saffron. Its filaments’ highly potent, regenerative properties support the body in all of its repair works. There is good reason that in Ayurveda this spice is known as a fountain of youth – into which we all want to fall from time to time, don’t we?