What are the Health Benefits of Saffron? – This Herb May Surprise You!

Saffron may have many health benefits that we will get into in a minute.

Saffron is the stigma of the “Crocus sativus” flower or more widely known as the saffron crocus which is grown in such places as Spain, Iran, Greece and India. Commonly believed to of originated in Greece.

Did you Know? The cultivation of Saffron can be dated back to well over 3000 years ago in Greece.

Saffron is without a doubt the most expensive Spice/Herb in the world you can pay anything from $8.29 per gram that's an incredible $3763.66 or more for just a pound!

Why is it so expensive, well that's mainly due to way it's painstakingly harvested by hand, with each flower only containing three stigmas.

To put into context a gram usually consists of 450 plus stigmas, that's a lot of work phew!

Saffron is mainly know for it’s amazing way to add flavour to many dishes around the world but there are many other benefits this incredible little spice has to offer.

7–10. Other Potential Health Benefits

Saffron has been linked to other health benefits that have not yet been extensively studied:

May reduce heart disease risk factors: Animal and test-tube studies indicate that saffron’s antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging (21, 22, 23).

May lower blood sugar levels: Saffron may lower blood sugar levels and raise insulin sensitivity — as seen in test-tube studies and mice with diabetes (24, 25).

May improve eyesight in adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Saffron appears to improve eyesight in adults with AMD and protect against free radical damage, which is linked to AMD (26, 27, 28).

May improve memory in adults with Alzheimer’s disease: Saffron’s antioxidant properties may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer's disease (29).

 

The health benefits of saffron have used by many different cultures around the globe, the Persians used it as an aphrodisiac with the Greeks using saffron in many of their herbal remedies in the early 5th century.

4. May Reduce PMS Symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period.

Studies show that saffron may help treat PMS symptoms.

In women 20–45 years of age, taking 30 mg of saffron daily 

was more effective than a placebo at treating PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, and pain (15).

Another study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms like anxiety and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol (16).

SUMMARY : Both eating and smelling saffron appears to help treat PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, pain, and anxiety.

5.May Act as an Aphrodisiac

Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido.

Studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties — especially in people taking antidepressants.

For instance, taking 30 mg of saffron daily over four weeks significantly improved erectile function over a placebo in men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction .

6.My Reduce Appetite and Aid Weight Loss

Snacking is a common habit that may put you at risk of gaining unwanted weight.

According to research, saffron may help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite.

In one eight-week study, women taking saffron supplements felt significantly more full, snacked less frequently, and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group (20).

In another eight-week study, taking a saffron extract supplement helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total fat mass (3).

However, scientists are unsure how saffron curbs appetite and aids weight loss. One theory is that saffron elevates your mood, which in turn reduces your desire to snack (20).