Saffron, the spice and dye from the dried pollen structures of the autumn crocus flower. Cultivated largely in Iran, it can be found growing in other areas like France, Spain, Italy, and India. Since it is very labor-intensive to harvest, you can find yourself paying from $500 to $5,000 per pound. Packed with vitamins and minerals that are pertinent to the body, here are the Top 10 Health Benefits of Saffron:
- Antioxidant Properties: A study found the antioxidants crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol in saffron. These antioxidants work together to aid with protecting you from oxidative stress that can cause damage to your brain cells.
- Help Regulate the Nervous System: Thanks to the antioxidants found in saffron that help with memory retention and anti-inflammation, a study found that its properties can help battle Alzheimers.
- May Help with Depression & Anxiety: Saffron wasn’t given the nickname “Sunshine Spice” for nothing! Saffron naturally contains many of the properties that medication used to treat depression and anxiety (such as fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram) use. In fact, a study found that taking 30 mg of saffron daily could cause similar effects as the prescribed medication.
- Loaded in Minerals: Saffron contains calcium, potassium, and iron; all very important minerals our bodies need to perform its daily functions to the fullest potential! Per 100 grams, saffron contains 111 mg (9% of your daily value) of calcium, 11.1 mg (9% of your daily value) of iron, and lastly, 1724 mg (37% of your daily value) of potassium.
- Full of Vitamins: Full of important vitamins your body uses on a daily basis, saffron contains vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin b-6, folate, and vitamin A.
- May Contain anit-Cancer Properties: The golden color saffron presents isn’t just for aesthetic purposes. Crocin (the antioxidant), a carotene, triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Moreover, another study found that saffron helps make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.
- Reduces Inflammation: Loaded with flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins it was found that these properties of saffron help aid with anti-inflammation.
- Reduce PMS Symptoms: Premenstrual syndrome is something people with periods dread. The good news is that studies have shown that saffron reduces these symptoms. In women aged 20–45, 30 mg of saffron daily helped reduce irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain. Another study even found that smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce anxiety and lowered levels of cortisol (the stress hormone!).
- Increases Libido: Researchers found that saffron had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and sex drive. Women taking 30 mg of saffron every day for 4 weeks had an increase in sex drive and vaginal lubrication.
- May Aid in Weight loss: A study found that people with coronary artery disease who used a saffron extract saw a reduction in their BMI, waist circumference, and total fat mass. There was even a reduction in their appetite.
