Saffron and COVID-19

Saffron is demanded worldwide because it possesses great utility. In real market where the consumer is a king, he is interested not only in the good itself but basically in the characteristics of the good. Utility is the want satisfying power of a commodity and it is the characteristics of the good from which great utility is obtained. COVID-19 has invited series of diseases especially respiratory syndromes. It may possess sore throat, cough, runny or blocking nose, fever or anxieties, breathing difficulty, headache, body or muscle pains, tiredness, vomiting or nausea, smell or taste loss, diarrhea, and hospitalization (Hussaini, Jan, & Wani, 2021). Saffron in general, and Kashmiri saffron in particular, is considered a magic potion or universal remedy against a wide range of diseases, disorders and encumbrances. Saffron when added to hot milk or water reduces headache, muscle pains, tiredness, stress, cough, blocked nose etc. When we use saffron in drinks, food and deserts it raises immunity which is need of hour in COVID-19 declared as pandemic by United Nations Organization.

Saffron is a thing of choice among druggists, herbalists, and Ayurvedic experts. Beauticians vow for its effective domino effects. Universally it is valued for its aroma, colour, and taste. Saffron primarily encompasses chemical ingredients such as Safranal, Picrocrocin, and Crocin which give it an outstanding colour, taste and fragrance respectively. Furthermore, saffron is a rich source of vitamins, proteins, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and sodium therefore acting as antioxidant. Saffron has anti-cancer and wound curative characteristics. It also has artistic, anti-diabetic, and anti-microbial properties. It has knowledge expanding, learning and memory recollecting characteristics too (Abe & Saito, 2000). Moreover, it possesses anti-triglycerides and anti-Cholesterol attributes (Xu et al. 2005). Hence, including saffron in one’s daily diet is to a great extent responsible

   

The sedentary life and unhealthy food habits have always prevented in building strong immunity and invited series of deadly diseases. The most suitable way to boost our immunity and fight diseases and infections are by going organic and eco-friendly in our life style. Organic foods include mutton, dairy items, and fresh products together with processed foods such as frozen meals. It takes account of that food which is produced by organic farming highlighting practices that cycle resources, conserve biodiversity, encourage environmental stability, and endorse sustainable development. To promote organic foods and organic farming in the first place and reduce COVID-19 or coronavirus cases in the second place it is very important to stimulate organic food culture which refers to the social trend now-a-days whereby consumers are more interested in organic and sustainable food. Since the world is fighting the lethal pandemic Covid-19, staying healthy and fit has become need of the hour. Accordingly, following organic and eco friendly practices is even more important. Henceforth, adding organic saffron to the daily diet is the best option that can help in improving overall health and respiratory syndromes.

Saffron contains crocin responsible for its colour activating death cells (programmed) in many human cancer causing cell types. Its components have the capacity to constrain malignant cells in human body. In addition, it cures gas and acidity problems, increases fertility, and causes sweating etc. World is under severe depression as a result of ongoing COVID-19. As an energizing tonic saffron is very much effective to reduce depression, nervousness, and raise positive frame of mind. Drinking a cup of saffron tea or Kehwa can do wonders in this pandemic when every now and then we find respiratory ailments. But, this does not mean that we have to take too much of saffron in our daily diet. Just few strands of saffron are sufficient to boost immunity.

Binish Qadri Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Kashmir;

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts, analysis, assumptions and perspective appearing in the article do not reflect the views of GK.

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