Written by Amira Helmy
Saffron is the most expensive type of spice in the world, as the cost (450 grams) reaches 5,000 US dollars, and in the Egyptian market it reaches 24,000 pounds per kilo, according to the Attarin Division.
The reason for its high price is the labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes production expensive, in addition to its many countless benefits, according to the health-related website “healthline.”
Red saffron is popular for its medicinal properties and people eat it to boost libido, mood and improve memory, and other health benefits mentioned by Healthline are as follows:
1. A powerful antioxidant
In addition to its distinctive taste and aroma, saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants, molecules that protect cells from free radicals and oxidative stress.
Notable antioxidants in saffron include crocin, crocin, safranal and kaempferol.
Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments responsible for the red color of saffron. Both compounds have antidepressant properties, protect brain cells from progressive damage, reduce appetite and aid in weight loss.
Research shows it helps improve mood, memory and learning ability, as well as protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
Finally, kaempferol is found in crocus flower petals and this compound has health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, anticancer properties, and antidepressant activity.
2. Improves mood and treats symptoms of depression.
In one review of five studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebos at treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
Other studies have found that taking 30 mg a day was just as effective as fluoxetine, imipramine and citalopram, traditional treatments for depression.
While these results are promising, longer studies with more participants are needed before saffron can be recommended as a treatment for depression.
3. May have anticancer properties
Saffron is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals associated with chronic diseases such as cancer.
Saffron and its compounds have been found to selectively kill colon cancer cells or inhibit their growth, while leaving healthy cells intact.
This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervical and many other cancer cells.
4. May reduce PMS symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that occur before menstruation begins.
Studies show that saffron can help treat PMS symptoms, and in women aged 20 to 45, taking 30mg of saffron per day was more effective than a placebo in treating PMS symptoms. premenstrual, such as irritability, headache, cravings and pain.
Another study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms, such as anxiety, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
5. Aphrodisiac
Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help increase libido, and studies have shown that saffron may have aphrodisiac properties, especially in people taking antidepressants.
For example, taking 30 mg of saffron daily for four weeks significantly improved erectile function compared with conventional treatment in men with antidepressant-related erectile dysfunction.
An analysis of six studies showed that saffron intake significantly improved erectile function, sex drive and overall satisfaction, but not semen characteristics.
In women with low sex drive due to taking antidepressants, 30 mg of saffron daily for four weeks reduced sex-related pain and increased sex drive.
6. Reduces appetite and helps in weight loss
Helps prevent snacking by suppressing appetite. In an eight-week study, women who took saffron supplements felt significantly fuller and snacked less.
In another study, supplementing with saffron extract helped significantly reduce appetite, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total fat mass.
However, scientists aren’t sure how saffron suppresses appetite.
7. Other Potential Health Benefits
Saffron has been linked to other health benefits that haven’t been extensively studied yet:
May reduce heart disease risk factors:
Animal studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of saffron can lower blood cholesterol and prevent blockages in blood vessels and arteries.
It can lower blood sugar levels:
Saffron can lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity, as shown in test-tube studies and diabetic rats.
It can improve vision in adults who
Saffron appears to improve vision in adults with AMD and protect against free radical damage associated with A
MD.
Memory for Alzheimer’s patients:
The antioxidant properties of saffron may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
11. Easy to add to your diet
Saffron has a delicate taste and aroma and goes well with savory dishes, such as paella, risotto and other rice dishes.
The best way to extract the unique flavor of saffron is to soak the sticks in hot, but not boiling, water. Then add it with hot water to your recipe for a deeper, richer flavor.
Risks, precautions and dosage
Saffron is generally considered safe with few to no side effects. People can safely consume up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day, and 30 mg per day has been shown to be enough to reap its health benefits.
On the other hand, large doses of 5 grams or more can have toxic effects. Pregnant women should avoid large doses, as they can cause miscarriage.
As with any supplement, talk to your doctor before taking saffron in supplement form.
Another problem with saffron, especially its powder, is that it can be adulterated with other ingredients, such as beets, red-dyed silk fibers, turmeric, and paprika. Therefore, it’s important to buy saffron from a reputable brand to make sure you be getting an authentic product. If saffron seems too cheap, it’s best to avoid it.
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