Saffron can be used both as a medicinal herb and as a food ingredient. Many people cook saffron with porridge or stew it in soup. Steamed saffron eggs are a common method of consumption. So what are the benefits of steamed saffron eggs?
Benefits of Steamed Saffron Eggs
Blood Nourishment and Menstrual Regulation
Saffron has the ability to nourish and activate blood circulation, helping to increase blood flow, clear blockages in blood vessels, and maintain vascular health. Egg yolk, also known as chicken embryo, has good blood-nourishing effects. Steamed saffron eggs can be helpful for symptoms such as insufficient menstrual flow, menstrual blockage, dysmenorrhea, and reduced menstrual volume caused by blood stasis, as well as pale complexion and anemia caused by blood deficiency.
Beauty and Anti-aging
Saffron has the ability to nourish and beautify the skin, cool the blood, and detoxify the body. It can promote blood circulation, regulate qi and blood, and balance the body's hormone levels. Eggs are rich in iron, which can enhance the body's ability to produce and transport oxygen and nutrients in the blood, resulting in a healthy and radiant complexion. Therefore, steamed saffron eggs can help improve the skin's appearance to a certain extent.
Assisting Sleep
Saffron has a calming effect and can help relieve mental stress, fatigue, and promote relaxation, thus improving sleep quality. For people with sleep disorders, consuming steamed saffron eggs can be beneficial.
Boosting Immune System
The components of saffron can enhance the phagocytic activity of immune cells, strengthen cell immunity, and enhance the body's ability to resist external pathogens. Eggs are rich in high-quality proteins, which can help improve immune function. Therefore, steamed saffron eggs can help boost the body's immune system to some extent.
Protecting Cardiovascular Health
Saffron has a strong blood-circulating and blood-activating effect, which can help dilate blood vessels, maintain cardiovascular health, improve the heart's ability to withstand hypoxia, and reduce the burden on the heart and brain. Eggs contain abundant lecithin, which can help reduce serum cholesterol and decrease vascular resistance. Therefore, steamed saffron eggs can help protect cardiovascular health to some extent.
Recipe for Steamed Saffron Eggs
Ingredients: 3 eggs, 20-30 strands of saffron, some rock sugar or honey.
1. Steep the saffron in 200ml of boiling water.
2. Add some rock sugar and stir, then steam for 5 minutes over boiling water.
3. Beat the eggs, add about 300ml of warm water, and stir well. Add a pinch of salt.
4. Place the egg mixture in a steamer and steam over high heat for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the steamed eggs from the steamer and pour the saffron soup over them.
Can Steamed Saffron Eggs Be Eaten Every Day?
It is not recommended to eat them every day.
Saffron has strong physiological activity, and its active ingredients can stimulate blood vessels and nerves. Eating steamed saffron eggs every day may cause adverse reactions such as restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and excessive internal heat. It is generally recommended to consume steamed saffron eggs 2-3 times a week.
Precautions for Eating Steamed Saffron Eggs
Dosage
The recommended dosage of saffron is generally 1-3 grams. Due to its strong physiological activity, the dosage should not exceed 10 grams, as it may cause poisoning reactions such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even confusion and fainting. As for eggs, consuming 1-3 eggs is sufficient. Eggs contain high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and excessive intake may increase blood cholesterol levels.
Preventing Allergies
Saffron contains a large amount of pollen, and eggs contain abundant proteins. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to steamed saffron eggs. If you are unsure whether you are allergic, it is recommended to consume a small amount first and observe your body's reaction. If there are no adverse effects, you can continue consumption.
Who Should Not Eat Steamed Saffron Eggs
1. Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should avoid consuming saffron as it can stimulate uterine smooth muscles and cause abdominal pain or even miscarriage.
2. Women During Menstruation
Saffron has a strong blood-circulating and blood-activating effect, which can stimulate uterine blood vessels. Consuming saffron during menstruation may increase menstrual flow or prolong the duration of menstruation.
3. Individuals with Gastric or Intestinal Ulcer or Bleeding
Saffron's blood-activating effect may stimulate gastric or intestinal smooth muscles, leading to the rupture of ulcers or increased bleeding, even causing severe hemorrhage.
4. Individuals with Hypercholesterolemia
Individuals with high cholesterol levels should avoid eating steamed saffron eggs as eggs contain high levels of cholesterol, which may increase blood cholesterol levels and lead to serious consequences such as atherosclerosis.
