Top 13 Health Benefits of Saffron

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. The reason is hidden in its labour-intensive harvesting method and availability. It is a tiny, bulbous, perennial spice found initially in Iran. Over the years, clinical research has proven that saffron can provide multiple health benefits.

Are you curious to know the benefits of saffron? Find out all about it in this article.

1. Acts as a Powerful Antioxidant

Saffron is rich in an impressive variety of plant compounds, which makes it a potent antioxidant. It can fight cell damage and help improve your overall health conditions. In addition, a recent study has shown that saffron's antioxidant properties can benefit your brain and nervous system.

Some notable antioxidants in saffron include crocin, crocetin, safranal and kaempferol. These come with antidepressant properties and help protect brain cells and stimulate brain functions and memories. Moreover, these are linked with reduced inflammation and anticancer properties.

2. Improves Mental Health

Saffron is the sunshine spice that can lighten up your mood. Depression is a common mental health issue which can lead to various health complications. However, according to research, saffron is considered more effective than placebos when it comes to treating the symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.

Another study in this field noted that a daily intake of 30 mg of saffron could provide conventional treatment for depression. In addition, if you are experiencing stress or low mood, saffron consumption will likely help you develop a lighter and healthier mood.

3. Helps Treat Cancer

Saffron is rich in antioxidants, which help it to neutralise harmful free radicals in your body. The damages caused by such radicals often result in cancer, which can be prevented with saffron. A recent test-tube study proves that saffron and its compounds can contribute to killing colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, making sure that the healthy cells are unharmed.

A similar effect is also seen in the case of cancer in other body parts, like bone marrow, skin, prostate, breast, lung, cervix, and others. In addition, saffron is rich in carotenoids, such as crocin and crocetin, which contain potent antitumor effects. Moreover, saffron can also make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.

4. Reduces PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the specific conditions that occur before a menstrual period in women. These include physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms in them. Commonly, women are likely to experience pelvic pain, acne and pimples, headache, cravings, anxiety, depression and mood swings.

According to a study, women between 20 and 45 years should consider taking about 30mg of saffron daily. It will be more effective than a placebo for controlling PMS problems and symptoms. In addition, herbal medicine containing saffron can relieve women from primary dysmenorrhea.

5. Acts as an Aphrodisiac

Food supplements for boosting your libido are aphrodisiacs. Saffron contains aphrodisiac properties, which can be effective for people who are taking antidepressants.

Another study, a review of multiple research papers, shows that saffron can significantly improve erectile function, libido, and sexual satisfaction for men. Moreover, it can be effective in treating sex-related pain in women.

6. Helps to Lose Weight

Gaining weight can be a serious issue with various physical complications. A common factor that can cause weight gain is frequent snacking and craving fast food. Saffron has properties that can reduce your appetite and curb your cravings. If you avoid snacking frequently or consume fast food, you will be less likely to gain weight.

A study conducted among women confirms this. The participants were allowed to take saffron supplements daily for about eight weeks. After this period, the participants felt fuller with every meal. They hardly felt the urge to consider snacking. In addition, they lost more weight than another group of women on a placebo.

7. Stimulates Brain Functions

Saffron has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have therapeutic potential for brain functions and the nervous system. In addition, the saffron extract contains crocin, which can be beneficial for tertian age-related mental impairment.

For instance, the Japanese healthcare system uses capsules containing saffron extract to treat Parkinson's disease, memory loss and inflammation. However, the effectiveness of saffron for treating traumatic brain injury and brain ischemia is yet to be researched.

8. Treats Alzheimer’s Disease

Saffron is often considered a powerful component when treating mild to moderate Alzheimer's. Its antioxidant properties can stimulate brain functions, positively reflecting such diseases. In addition, it interacts with cholinergic and dopaminergic systems, which can contribute to treating Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

A study found that saffron protects against free radical damage while moderating acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and reducing neurodegeneration, which contributes to treating Alzheimer’s. In addition, saffron's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can help enhance your memory by stimulating brain functions. In this regard, patients with mild Alzheimer’s symptoms are likely to benefit from a daily intake of saffron.

9. Helps to Manage Inflammation and Arthritis

Arthritis is a severe health issue. A study conducted in Italy among lab rats shows that the crocetin content in saffron promotes cerebral oxygenation. This is beneficial for treating arthritis. In addition, the petals of the saffron plant and its extract have c effective anti-inflammatory properties. It contains tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. All of these can be effective in reducing arthritis pain and causing inflammation.

10. Boosts Eyesight

Saffron also has a role in strengthening your visionary health. It contains safranal, which is effective in preventing or delaying retinal degeneration. Moreover, this component can also reduce rod and cone photoreceptor loss. A delay of retinal degeneration in retinal pathologies benefits your visionary health.

Its benefits are also evident when it comes to age-related macular degeneration. In addition, saffron supplements can offer a significant improvement in retinal function. However, more research can be required in this regard.

11. Helps with Insomnia

Saffron might come with some soothing components that help develop a healthier sleep routine. For example, a recent study conducted among lab rats proves that crocin content in saffron helps to boost non-rapid eye movement sleep. 0%.

Moreover, as discussed earlier, saffron helps to improve mild symptoms of depression. Getting good sleep can be a good way of handling it, as insomnia can often intensify the symptoms of depression. Saffron supplements can help in this regard.

12. Boosts Immunity and Digestion

One of the best ways to improve health conditions is by enhancing immunity. Saffron contains carotenoids, which can have an impact on your immunity. A study conducted among men proves this possibility. Here the participants were given 100mg of saffron every day. In the end, the participants observed temporary immunomodulatory effects without any side effects.

Another benefit of saffron is in terms of digestion. Saffron comes with antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. A study conducted among animals revealed their benefit in digestive health. However, its impact on human beings is still unclear.

13. Improves Heart and Liver Health

Heart health depends on multiple factors. Clinical researchers believe that saffron contains antioxidant properties, reducing blood cholesterol levels. It also helps to prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging. In addition, a test-tube study conducted among diabetic mice revealed that saffron could lower blood sugar levels and raise insulin sensitivity.

A study suggests that saffron supplements can benefit patients suffering from liver metastasis. Moreover, its carotenoid content inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species, which can help your body. Furthermore, it can protect your liver from external toxins. However, more research will be mandatory to prove this point.

Following are the uses of saffron:

• Powder: Ground saffron is readily available in markets and commonly added for flavour in various dishes. Usually, it is used in layered rice dishes and sometimes added to ice creams and desserts. If you cannot find it, you can always purchase saffron threads and use a mortar to grind it.
• Tea: You can also make some herbal tea with saffron, a quick recipe to consume. Start crumpling the stamens with your fingertips before adding these to a bowl of water or milk. Cover the lid after putting it to a boil. It will be ready within fifteen minutes, and the liquid will get thicker and orangish in colour.
• Directly to Dishes: You can add saffron threads directly to most liquid dishes. Dishes like risotto alla Milanese and bouillabaisse generate an elevated flavour with whole saffron threads. Their simmering time allows them to draw the taste of saffron.

Now that you know the medicinal benefits of saffron, you should be aware of the common side effects. There are not many side effects, and these are mostly mild. Here are the possible problems you can face due to overconsumption:

• If you take more than 1.5 grams of saffron daily, you can face side effects like dizziness, nausea, vomiting and stomach-related diseases.
• There can also be allergic reactions because of overconsumption.
• Dosage over 12-20g of saffron can cause poisoning and death.
• There are chances of miscarriage if pregnant people take high doses of saffron.
• You can also experience a yellow appearance on the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

While knowing the advantages of saffron, it is also essential to determine the precautions to take in this process. Here are some of these that can guide you in the process:

• Saffron powder is often mixed with ingredients like beet, red-dyed silk fibres, turmeric, and paprika. Therefore, you should make sure that you are not allergic to these.
• Try to purchase high-quality saffron from reputable brands. The cheaper products might not be authentic and cause health issues.
• Always consult a physician before taking saffron to choose the correct dosage and know about any possible reactions your body might have against it.

It is advisable to avoid taking saffron in a few cases. These are discussed below:

• People who have bipolar disorder should avoid saffron. It is known for lifting moods, which might trigger impulsive behaviour in such conditions.
• You should avoid saffron if you are allergic to plants like Olea (including olive), Lolium, and Salsola plant species.
• If you suffer from severe heart and cardiovascular diseases, you should avoid taking high doses of saffron.
• Saffron helps to lower blood pressure. Hence, you should avoid it if you suffer from low blood pressure issues.

Therefore, as you can see, there are multiple benefits of saffron. Even though it is expensive, these benefits make it worth consuming. However, as this article pointed out, you should know the possible side effects and problems associated with high doses. Therefore, you should consult a doctor to avoid such issues.