Written by Amira Helmy
Saffron is the most expensive type of spice in the world, as the cost (450 grams) reaches 5,000 US dollars, and in the Egyptian market it reaches 24,000 pounds per kilo, according to the Attarin Division.
The reason for its high price is the labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes production expensive, in addition to its many countless benefits, according to the health-related “healthline” website.
Red saffron is popular for its medicinal properties, and people eat it to boost libido, mood, and improve memory, and other health benefits mentioned by Healthline are as follows:
1. A powerful antioxidant
As well as its distinctive taste and aroma, saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants – molecules that protect your cells from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Notable antioxidants in saffron include crocin, crocin, safranal, and kaempferol.
Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments responsible for the red color of saffron. Both compounds have antidepressant properties, protect brain cells from progressive damage, reduce appetite, and aid weight loss.
Research shows that it helps improve your mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect your brain cells from oxidative stress.
Finally, kaempferol is found in the petals of crocus flowers, and this compound has health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, anti-cancer properties, and antidepressant activity.
2. It improves mood and treats symptoms of depression.
In a review of five studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebos in treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
Other studies found that taking 30 mg of it daily was just as effective as fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram—traditional treatments for depression.
While these results are promising, longer studies with more participants are needed before saffron can be recommended as a treatment for depression.
3. It may have cancer-fighting properties
Saffron is high in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals associated with chronic diseases such as cancer.
It was found that saffron and its compounds selectively kill colon cancer cells or inhibit their growth, while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervical, and many other cancer cells.
4. It may reduce PMS symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes the physical, emotional and psychological symptoms that occur before menstruation begins.
Studies show that saffron may help treat PMS symptoms, and in women ages 20-45, taking 30 mg of saffron daily was more effective than a placebo in treating PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain.
Another study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms, such as anxiety, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
5. Aphrodisiac
Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help increase libido, and studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties, especially in people taking antidepressants.
For example, taking 30 mg of saffron daily over four weeks significantly improved erectile function compared to conventional treatment in men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction.
An analysis of six studies showed that saffron intake significantly improved erectile function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction, but not semen characteristics.
In women with low sexual desire due to taking antidepressants, 30 mg of saffron daily over four weeks reduced sex-related pain and increased sexual desire.
6. Reduces appetite and helps lose weight
Helps prevent snacking by suppressing appetite. In one eight-week study, women who took saffron supplements felt significantly fuller and snacked less.
In another study, supplementing with saffron extract helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total fat mass.
However, scientists aren’t sure how saffron suppresses appetite.
7. Other potential health benefits
Saffron has been linked to other health benefits that are not yet widely studied:
May reduce heart disease risk factors:
Animal studies indicate that saffron’s antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blockages in blood vessels and arteries.
May lower blood sugar levels:
Saffron may lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity — as shown in test-tube studies and diabetic rats.
May improve eyesight in adults who
Saffron appears to improve eyesight in adults with AMD and protect once morest free radical damage associated with A
MD.
Memory for Alzheimer’s patients:
The antioxidant properties of saffron may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
11. Easy to add to your diet
Saffron has a subtle taste and aroma and pairs well with savory dishes, such as paella, risotto, and other rice dishes.
The best way to extract the unique flavor of saffron is to soak the sticks in hot, but not boiling, water. Then add it with hot water to your recipe for a deeper, richer flavour.
Risks, precautions, and dosage
Saffron is generally considered safe with little or no side effects. People can safely consume up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day, and 30 mg per day has been shown to be sufficient to reap its health benefits.
On the other hand, high doses of 5 grams or more can have toxic effects. Pregnant women should avoid high doses, as they may cause miscarriage.
As with any supplement, talk to your doctor before taking saffron in supplement form.
Another problem with saffron, especially its powder, is that it may be adulterated with other ingredients, such as beets, red dyed silk fibers, turmeric, and paprika. Therefore, it is important to buy saffron from a reputable brand to ensure that you are getting an authentic product. If saffron seems too cheap, it is best to avoid it.
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