6 Powerful Health Benefits of Saffron
They say you get what you pay for. Saffron may be one of the most expensive spices in the world, but its combination of flavours and health benefits definitely means it’s worth every penny.
For centuries, people have turned to Saffron for its medicinal properties. Using it to cure everything from digestive issues to insomnia. And although some of these claims were not really grounded in science, modern research has confirmed that some of the benefits were real.
So settle in and get ready to learn the 6 health benefits of Saffron.
Using Saffron safely
Although Saffron has a lot of health benefits, that doesn’t mean you should go about ingesting large quantities of it. Saffron is only good in moderation, and there are people with some conditions who should look to have it in very small quantities or avoid it altogether.
Before looking at including more Saffron in your diet, it’s always best to consult a medical professional and conduct your own research.
6 Powerful Benefits of Saffron
1. It Enhances Your Mood & Can Even Help With Cases Of Mild Depression, According To Science
Saffron got the nickname the ‘Sunshine Spice’ because of its perceived mood-enhancing properties and it’s historic use to treat depression. The use of it for treating depression goes as far back as ancient Greece and Persia. And it turns out that the Greeks and Persians were on to something because, in 2019, a study tested the use of Saffron to treat mild or moderate depression versus a placebo and found it more powerful. The combination of compounds, like Crocin, Crocetin, and Safranal, are thought to influence neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, increasing their levels in the brain and helping people better regulate their mood.
2. It’s An Antioxidant Powerhouse
Crocin, Crocetin, Safranal, and Kaempferol aren’t just some fancy-sounding compounds in Saffron. They are compounds that help neutralise harmful free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and damage cells. This helps to promote overall health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like Cancer, Diabetes and Arthritis.
3. It’s Neuroprotective Effect Help Improve Cognitive Function
In a randomised test of 68 patients who suffer from moderate to severe dementia, giving capsules with Saffron was shown to reduce cognitive decline significantly. The neuroprotective effects of Crocin helped to slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline.
4. Improves Eye Health
We’ve already spoken about how Saffron helps to protect against cell damage. Well, one of the effects is that your cell has less age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Or, in layman’s terms, your eyesight doesn’t get as bad as you age because the antioxidants protect the cells in your eyes, preventing them from further deteriorating.
Want A Tasty Way To Increase Saffron In Your Diet? Try Our Saffron Risotto Recipe
5. It Relieves Pain
Instead of reaching for some ibuprofen, maybe you should consider reaching for some Saffron. Its anti-inflammatory properties help it act as a natural analgesic and offer relief for some mild pain, as well as help with issues like arthritis.
6. It Helps With Weight Management
Saffron isn’t a miracle spice that will instantly help you lose 10 lbs, but what it does do is enhance your mood, which helps prevent emotional eating. The by-product of this is that it becomes easier to manage your intake of food, which helps with managing your weight.
Enjoy!
So there it is. Saffron isn’t just a luxury spice. It’s a super healthy luxury spice. By adding a little more to your diet, you can help to improve your cognitive function, regulate your mood better and reduce inflammation.
If you’re looking to pick up Saffron, then you can take a look at our range of Saffron Sargol.