Health Benefits Of Saffron: Saffron may have antioxidant and anticancer benefits. But some people should avoid high doses.
Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. The term “saffron” applies to the flower’s thread-like structures called stigma.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, While saffron’s origin is still debated, it most likely originated in Iran. There, it was revered for its medicinal properties. People would eat saffron to enhance libido, boost mood, and improve memory.
Here are 6 impressive health benefits of saffron.
1. A Powerful Antioxidant
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds. These act as antioxidants — molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.
Notable saffron antioxidants include:
crocin
crocetin
safranal
kaempferol
Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments responsible for saffron’s red color. Both compounds may:
Have antidepressant properties
Protect brain cells against progressive damage
Improve inflammation
Reduce appetite
Aid weight loss
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Safranal gives saffron its distinct taste and aroma. Research shows that it may help improve your mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect your brain cells against oxidative stress.
Lastly, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound has been linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, anticancer properties, and antidepressant activity.
2. May Improve Mood And Treat Depressive Symptoms
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Saffron is nicknamed the sunshine spice. This is not just due to its distinct color but also because it may help brighten your mood.
In a review of five studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebos at treating symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Other studies found that taking 30 mg of saffron daily was just as effective as Fluoxetine, Imipramine, and Citalopram — conventional treatments for depression. Additionally, fewer people experienced side effects from saffron than from other treatments.
Both the saffron petals and thread-like stigma appear to be effective against mild-to-moderate depression.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, While these findings are promising, longer human studies with more participants are needed before experts can recommend saffron as a treatment for depression.
3. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer.
In test-tube studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and several other cancer cells.
Test-tube studies have also found that crocin — the main antioxidant in saffron — may make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, While these findings from test-tube studies are promising, the anticancer effects of saffron are poorly studied in humans, and more research is needed.
4. May Reduce PMS Symptoms
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period.
Studies show that saffron may help treat PMS symptoms.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, In women ages 20–45, taking 30 mg of saffron daily was more effective than a placebo at treating PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Another study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms like anxiety and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
5. May Act As An Aphrodisiac
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido. Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties — especially in people taking antidepressants.
For instance, taking 30 mg of saffron daily over 4 weeks significantly improved erectile function over a placebo in men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Additionally, an analysis of six studies showed that taking saffron significantly improved erectile function, libido, and overall satisfaction but not semen characteristics.
In women with low sexual desire due to taking antidepressants, 30 mg of saffron daily over 4 weeks reduced sex-related pain and increased sexual desire and lubrication, compared with a placebo.
6. May Reduce Appetite And Aid Weight Loss
Health Benefits Of Saffron, Snacking is a common habit that may cause you to gain weight. According to research, saffron may help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite.
In one 8-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly fuller, snacked less frequently, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group.
Health Benefits Of Saffron, In another 8-week study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index, waist circumference, and total fat mass.
However, scientists are unsure how saffron curbs appetite and aids weight loss. One theory is that saffron elevates your mood, which in turn reduces your desire to snack.
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