Saffron, the spice and dye from the dried pollen structures of the autumn crocus flower. Mainly cultivated in Iran, it is found in other regions such as France, Spain, Italy and India.
Since harvesting is very labor intensive, you could end up paying between $500 and $5,000 per pound. Packed with body-relevant vitamins and minerals, 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 protect you from oxidative stress that can damage your brain cells.
Helps regulate the nervous system: Thanks to the antioxidants present in saffron which help with memory retention and anti-inflammation, a study revealed that its properties could help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
May help with depression and anxiety: Saffron didn’t get the nickname “Spice of the Sun” for nothing! It naturally contains many properties used by drugs used to treat depression and anxiety (such as fluoxetine, imipramine and citalopram). In fact, one study found that taking 30mg of saffron daily could cause similar effects to the prescription drug.
loaded with minerals: saffron contains calcium, potassium and iron; All very important minerals our body needs to perform its daily functions to its maximum potential! Per 100 grams, it contains 111 mg (9% of your daily value) of calcium, 11.1 mg (9% of your daily value) of iron and finally 1724 mg (37% of your daily value) of potassium.
full of vitamins – Filled with important vitamins that your body uses daily, saffron contains vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folic acid and vitamin A.
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Other Health Benefits of Saffron
May contain anti-cancer properties : The golden color it presents is not only for aesthetic purposes. Crocin (the antioxidant), a carotene, triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Additionally, another study found that saffron helps make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy.
Reduces inflammation: Loaded with flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins, these properties of saffron have been shown to help fight inflammation.
reduce symptoms PMS: PMS is something menstruating people fear. The good news is that studies have shown that saffron reduces these symptoms. In women aged 20 to 45, 30 mg of saffron daily helped reduce irritability, headaches, food cravings, and pain. Another study even found that sniffing it for 20 minutes helped reduce anxiety and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone!).
Increase libido : Researchers have found that saffron has a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and sexual desire. Women who took 30mg daily for 4 weeks experienced increased sexual desire and vaginal lubrication.
It can help with weight loss: A study found that people with coronary heart disease who used saffron extract saw a reduction in their BMI, waist circumference and total fat mass. There was even a reduction in his appetite.
By Health Fitness Revolution. Articles in English