saffron is an exotic spice known to ancient writers such as Hippocrates. It comes from the purple crocus flower, related to the lily, containing three delicate fronds, or threads. It’s indigenous to warm, humid climates, such as Iran, the Middle East, and Spain with uses ranging from textile-dying to its spicy goodness. But the nutritional aspects it imparts are as dramatic as its vibrant hue.
Manganese is by far the most prominent ingredient, as well as vitamin C, magnesium, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6. These relate to the body for blood sugar regulation, calcium absorbsion and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the healthy formation of tissues, bones and sex hormones. Vitamin C fights infection, iron purifies the blood and potassium helps balance fluids in the cells.
Saffron Can help :
- Saffron is rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants, such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. Antioxidants help protect your cells against oxidative stress.
- Saffron may help treat symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression, but more studies are needed before definite recommendations can be made.
- Saffron is high in antioxidants, which may help kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. However, more human research is needed.
- Both eating and smelling saffron appears to help treat PMS symptoms, such as irritability, headaches, cravings, pain, and anxiety.
- Saffron may have aphrodisiac properties for both men and women and may especially help those taking antidepressants.
- Saffron has been shown to reduce snacking and curb your appetite. In turn, these behaviors may help you lose weight.
- Saffron has been linked to several other potential health benefits, such as improved heart disease risk, blood sugar levels, eyesight, and memory. However, more studies are needed to draw stronger conclusions.
At the end, For gaining these benefits, The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
- For Alzheimer’s disease: 30 mg of saffron extract daily for 22 weeks.
- For depression: 30 mg of a saffron extract or 100 mg of saffron daily for up to 12 weeks.
- For premenstrual syndrome (PMS): 15 mg of a saffron extract twice daily.
- For menstrual discomfort: 500 mg of a specific combination product containing saffron, celery seed and anise extracts (SCA, Gol Daro Herbal Medicine Laboratory) taken three times a day for the first three days of menstruation.