Saffron is the most expensive spice on the planet. It's made from the stigmata of the Crocus sativa flower, and it takes about 75,000 - 80,000 plants to make one pound of the spice. No wonder it's so expensive!
Before discussing its benefits, I'll give the cautions. Scientists believe that a maximum safe daily dose is 1.5 grams per day. They do know that 5 grams is toxic. It should not be used by those with a blood clotting disorder or by pregnant women. The benefits of this spice include: helping with mild or moderate depression, treating age-related macular degeneration, and treating cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties (it blocks pain sensitivity). The second category of Essential Fatty Acids includes Linoleic Acid (LA), an Omega 6 Fatty Acid. This EFA supports inflammation in the inflammatory process. (Inflammation is the way our bodies protect and heal themselves.)
Too much Omega 6 FAs can lead to chronic inflammation, which can damage the body. In the US, we tend to eat foods with far more Omega 6 than Omega 3 Fatty Acids. We should be balancing them in about a 3 to 1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3. Cooking with Canola Oil or Olive Oil is one way to keep them in balance. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)(LNA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) fall in the first of two EFA categories. They're Omega 3 Fatty Acids (FAs). Our bodies don't make LNA, so we must get it through food sources. All three of these FAs can be found in certain types of seafood, nuts, dairy products, grains, cooking oils, and vegetables. Our bodies do make EPA from LNA and make DHA from EPA.
EFA stands for Essential Fatty Acids. Without going into all the chemistry, these are fats that our bodies don't make but need to survive. We can only get these EFAs in our food. The two EFAs are Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) -- an Omega 3 Fatty Acid, and Linoleic acid (LA) -- an Omega 6 Fatty Acid.
Just for fun: These used to be called Vitamin F until scientists discovered they were actually fatty acids! Alpha-Humulene is a chemical constituent in essential oils like Hops, Copaiba, Helichrysum Bracteiferum, and Ylang Ylang. (It used to be called Alpha-Caryophyllene.)
Alpha-Humulene has a strong anti-inflammatory effect (even stronger than Beta-Caryophyllene). It's also antioxidant and may protect against some cancers. I love to make blends using a combination of Alpha-Humulene and Beta-Caryophyllene! Did you know that there's an alternative to CBD oil?
Beta-Caryophyllene is a chemical found in several essential oils, and it's a cannabinoid. It works with our immune system to reduce pain and inflammation, and can help protect the brain and cardiovascular system. I've found the highest concentration of Beta-Caryophyllene in Copaiba Langsdorfii L essential oil. For more information on this see my January 29, 2019 Karen's Blog. Did you know that there are nature-made plants and plant oils that can repel mosquitoes?
Some of the plants that repel mosquitoes are Andiroba Tree, Basil, Bee Balm, Catnip, Citronella, Citrosa Geraniums, Clove, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lemon Thyme, Lemon Verbena, Lemongrass, Marigolds, Mints, Nasturtium, Neem Tree, Oregano, Pennyroyal, Rosemary, and Sage. Planting any, or a mix, of these around your house will help keep you from being bugged. Oils within these plants are part of the plants' natural defense systems to keep pests from harming them. This is why certain essential oils and some carrier oils can be used topically to keep mosquitoes (and other insects) from bothering us. Andiroba and Neem are two of my favorites. Andiroba Oil and Neem Oil are cousins from different continents. (Both are from the Meliaceae plant family.) Andiroba is found in Brazil and the Amazon while Neem is native to India. Both are amazing carrier oils to use on the skin (lots of skin-healing properties) and they repel mosquitoes, flies, and mites (like chiggers). For me, they last for approximately three hours before any bug will come near me. Seriously, I have lotioned-up, walked outside into a swarm of mosquitoes and/or flies, and the pests flew off in all directions as fast as they could! I don't mind needing to reapply because I'm keeping my skin healthy every time I do. Neem is easier to find, but smells awful by itself. I had a more difficult time finding sources who sell Andiroba, but searching was well worth my while, because this oil has a very pleasant scent. In my Sweet Summer Lotion, I add Neem Oil to an all natural lotion base. I then add a pthalate-free fragrance oil that, when mixed with the Neem, smells delicious. I also make Neem Soaps with a variety of essential oils. I'm currently working on skin serums, lotion, and soap recipes using Andiroba OIl. If you're looking for a way to keep the mosquitoes away while you pamper your skin, try one (or both) of these oils! Did you know the humble blueberry is packed full of therapeutic properties?
Nutritionally, one cup of blueberries contains fiber, Vitamins A, B, C, E, K, Folate, manganese, Pantothenic Acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, Quercetin, Myricetin, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc. That cup of raw blueberries also has a 1.5 to 1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids (which is a good balance). Blueberries are highly antioxidant which means they can help protect the body from free radical damage. They can help protect your heart health by lowering blood pressure and your LDL cholesterol levels. They can help improve cell signaling in the neurons in the brain which may aid in cognitive function as we age. They may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing sensitivity to insulin. As a relative of cranberries, they may assist in preventing UTIs. They may also speed up muscle recovery after exercise. Did you know that Vitamin K1, and K2, supplement Vitamin D. Vitamin K is necessary to support proper blood-clotting, build the bones, protect the heart., and balance insulin levels. It may also help prevent Alzheimer's Disease, tooth decay, infectious diseases, and several kinds of cancer.
Many of us don't get enough Vitamin K in our diets. Vitamin K1 can be found in green vegetables and in green leaves. Bacteria in the gut makes Vitamin K2. Fermented foods also provide K2. There is a Vitamin K3 which is synthetic form of the vitamin and has issues with toxicity. Because this is a fat-soluble vitamin, it needs to be taken with a moderate amount of fat in order to be absorbed. Did you know that Hemp Seed Oil has a 3 to 1 ratio of Omega 6 (55%) to Omega 3 (20%) Fatty Acids (FAs)?
Omega 6 FAs are pro-inflammatory while Omega 3 FAs are anti-inflammatory. We need about a 3 to 1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 FAs in our diets to keep our bodies balanced. Hemp Seed Oil is called "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil" because it has a wide variety of Fatty Acids. This oil is great topically, but will easily spoil with high temperatures. |
DisclaimerThe information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Archives
February 2021
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