How healthy is saffron?
Saffron has been used in Asia for thousands of years as a healing or health-promoting plant. The nutrition expert Beth the Red of the Cleveland Clinic in the USA explains how saffron affects health and how to use the spice properly.
Health Benefits of Saffron
According to the expert in a current press release there is a lot of research that suggests that Saffron can promote health or help with certain health problems. But what are the beneficial effects of saffron exactly?
1. Saffron is rich in antioxidants
Saffron contains many antioxidantswhich help fight cell damage and prevent the development of prevent cancer and other diseases be able. Also has one Study proven beneficial effects on the brain and nervous system.
The antioxidants contained in saffron Crocetin, Crocin und Safranal can to Improving memory and learning ability and even protect against neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, emphasizes Czerwony.
„The antioxidants in saffron may help protect the brain from damage. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase your antioxidant intake and help prevent disease‘ said the expert. Adding some saffron to a healthy diet may increase antioxidant absorption.
2. Relief from PMS
The so-called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause a variety of symptoms. These range from pelvic pain to acne. Often, PMS also affects and causes mental health Anxiety, depression and mood swings.
There are some smaller ones research workwhich have shown that saffron is actually capable of through Reduce PMS-related depression, reports the expert. Saffron may help alleviate some of the emotional symptoms of PMS.
3. Saffron Favors Weight Loss
Many people have problems with weight loss. But saffron can also help here. So have one Study demonstrated on a group of women that taking saffron led to one less feeling of hunger contributed and the participants nibbled less in between.
„There is evidence that saffron can suppress appetite and help with weight loss. But he doesn’t work alone. Combine saffron with a healthy, balanced diet for success“, explains the expert.
4. Treatment of seizures
Saffron is used in Iranian folk medicine as a Anticonvulsive (medicine against seizures) used. There is studieswhich suggest that Saffron can shorten some types of seizures.
„Saffron may hold promise as a treatment for seizures, but we need more data on its safety and effectiveness. If you have a seizure disorder, consult your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements such as saffron“, advises Red.
5. Saffron to treat erectile dysfunction
Die erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to maintain an erection. According to the expert, there are investigationswhich indicate that Saffron allows the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Saffron could represent a herbal treatment supplement. “Studies have found that 30 milligrams per day is effective, but one should not exceed that amount. High levels of saffron can be toxic“, warns Red.
6. Saffron against Alzheimer’s
According to the nutritionist, saffron can be used in the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s even be as effective as available prescription drugs.
„some small ones studies have found that saffron extract improves cognitive function in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease“, says Czerwony. Saffron also has a low risk of side effects.
7. Saffron against depression
Depression is a mental disorder whose treatment involves various types of therapy or medication. In a Study have found that saffron can also help reduce symptoms of depression.
„Saffron could be used to treat depression in the future. However, we need larger studies evaluating long-term results before saffron can replace proven antidepressants‘ said the expert.
Under no circumstances should prescription drugs be discontinued be without himself before to seek medical advicewarnt Red.
Proper use of saffron
Saffron petals look like thin red threads. These threads can be softened with hot waterto prepare a saffron tea. However, saffron can also be added to savory dishes to flavor them.
If you don’t like the taste of saffron, you can Capsules with saffron provide relief for swallowing. However, it is important to seek medical advice before beginning to take saffron supplements.
Some dietary supplements can unwanted side effects effect. This is especially true for pregnant women, taking medication or suffering from a medical condition.
Saffron is safe in small amounts
„Saffron is generally safe when used in small amounts for cooking or as a tea. It’s also high in antioxidants, so we know it has health benefits“So Red.
In case of doubt, however, a doctor should be consulted before saffron is included in the diet to ensure that this is safe. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic: Spicy Saffron Could Benefit Your Health (veröffentlicht 06.07.2022), Cleveland Clinic
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.