Health Benefits of Saffron

What is Saffron?

Saffron is hand-harvested from the Crocus sativus flower. The harvesting process is quite intensive and involves a lot of time and effort. This makes saffron the costliest spice in the world today. About 1kg of pure Kashmiri Saffron can cost you up to Rs 3 lakh!

However, this exorbitant price is worth its weight in gold, as the health benefits of saffron are far too many to ignore. Listed below are some of the most impressive benefits of the spice you cannot afford to miss.

Health Benefits of Saffron

Here is a list of 11 incredible health benefits of saffron you can enjoy if you include it in your meals regularly —

1. Protection against oxidative damage from free radicals

Saffron benefits your health in several ways as it is packed with excellent antioxidants such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and kaempferol. These help fight oxidative stress caused in your body due to release of free radicals. These antioxidants also help to reduce risk of asthma, fights against inflammation, and protect you against viral infections like hepatitis B, flu, HIV, respiratory infections, etc.

2. Improves Mood

Antioxidants in saffron help to keep the mind free and prevent symptoms of stress and hypertension. According to a few studies, saffron was found to be effective in decreasing symptoms of mild depression in people. Saffron gives you almost the same benefits that you might get with the usual antidepressants prescribed by doctors but minus the side effects. It is also called the “sunshine spice.”

3. Protection against Certain Cancers

Although more studies are needed to prove saffron’s efficiency in fighting against certain cancers, experts believe its oxidative stress-relieving properties can reduce your risk of carcinoma of the brain, breast, lungs, prostate, cervix, colon, and leukaemia.

4. Relief from PMS-related pain and symptoms

One of the most important saffron benefits for females is that it provides immense relief against PMS (premenstrual syndrome) pain, cramps, and symptoms. The compounds in saffron strengthen the reproductive system of women, thereby helping them fight off PMS symptoms. However, if you want to know how to include saffron in your regular diet and how much saffron to consume for PMS-related problems, consult your doctor for advice.

5. Improvement of Sexual Life

One of the most interesting saffron benefits for males is that it improves the quality of sex lives in men. The aphrodisiac properties of saffron play a vital role in enhancing the libido of men and relieving them of issues like erectile dysfunction. Studies have proved that saffron helps men find more satisfaction and stamina in sexual activities than before. They could feel a marked improvement in their genital lubrication and arousal levels as well.

6. Encourages weight loss

Studies have proved that consuming about 60mg of saffron daily for three months helped people in BMI reduction, waist circumference reduction, and overall decrease in weight. Saffron reduces your appetite to a large extent. As a result, you can stay full for a long time, avoiding instances of binge eating.

7. Reduced Risk of Cardiac Ailments

This is one of the most significant health benefits of saffron. Regulating your cholesterol and blood pressure levels reduces your risk of cardiac ailments like strokes and clogged arteries.

8. Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels

Although more research is needed on this front, a few studies conducted on animals have proved that saffron can improve sensitivity to insulin and keep blood sugar levels under check at all times.

9. Improves Eyesight

As saffron helps fight against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, the spice has also been found to improve eyesight, especially in the cases of adults with age-related muscular degeneration (AMD) conditions.

10. Improves Memory

The antioxidants in saffron are extremely helpful in improving the overall cognitive function of people. Hence, it is believed that the spice can help in gradual improvement of memory loss, especially in the case of older adults with Alzheimer’s.

11. Easy to Consume Regularly

This is not a health benefit, but it is an important aspect of saffron that deserves a mention in this list. This spice can be easily added to your regular diet in any form. This makes it quite a versatile spice.

Soak a few saffron threads in hot water for a few minutes and add it to various delicacies. You can drink this water daily. There are significant health benefits of saffron water made in such a simple way. You can see a marked improvement if you have digestive issues. It also gives you radiant skin and clears blemishes and acne. It can even prevent hair fall, strengthen hair follicles, and promote hair growth.