Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world with amazing strong smell and distinctive color. It is a rich source of anti-oxidant with many health benefits. It is well believed that this spice plays a great role in improving mood, fight against oxidative stress as well as many other health benefits that are discussed further in this post. Generally saffron is safe for most of the people.
Cancer:
The red-golden color comes from Crocin which is the main ingredient of Saffron. The Crocin -aka water soluble carotene- is the main anti-oxidant in saffron that is believed to make the cancer cells more fragile against chemotherapy drugs. Crocin also activates apoptosis in different types of human cells, especially in soft tissue sarcoma as well as ovarian carcinoma and colon adenocarcinoma. Given that, the components of this spice have the power to inhibit malignant cells that are cancerous despite not having any effects on normal and healthy cells. In addition, these components stimulates the cancerous cells information to immune cells that destroy the cancer cells.
Weight loss:
There are many studies for saffron effect on weight loss as well as evidence and experiments suggesting that it curbs the appetite and promotes weight loss by increasing level of serotonin of the brain. As snacking is one of the main reasons for unwanted weight gain, the curbing appetite of the spice by reducing the craving helps to overcome this problem. Study also shows that taking the extract of saffron helped to reduce the waist circumference and body mass index of people with coronary artery disease.
Following a small study, a group of healthy women who took saffron for eight weeks lost significant weight compared to the other group which did not take the supplement. They felt fuller and less desired to snack.
Other theories suggest that by enhancing the mood as the primary effect of saffron on the body, the desire to snack is reduced.
Memory loss and Alzheimer:
Studies show that the components of saffron, especially the Crocin, have positive effect in the age related mental impairment. Saffron produces huge impact in treatments of Alzheimer by producing superior outcome on cognitive function in the treatments by reducing the dementia. The main ingredient in the spice rises the acetylcholine which is believed to improve managing the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer disease.
Aphrodisiac:
It has great effect on increasing both sexual drive and function in men and women. According to several studies, Saffron may have aphrodisiac properties especially in people who are under anti-depressant treatments. Although it has not proven any effects on semen characteristics, taking saffron significantly improves the erectile function, libido and satisfaction in men and increases lubrication and sexual desire in women while reduces the related pains. In case of low libido, saffron acts as sexual stimulant that is recommended to be mixed with warm milk and consumed before the action.
Mood Booster:
The main characteristic of saffron is to lighten the mood by increasing the dopamine in the brain without any effects on the level of other hormones in the brain. It has significant positive effect on treating the moderate depression. Yet more studies and experiments are needed to be carried out to make this spice as official treatment for depression. So far, it has been proven that it has less side effects than many other chemical treatments.
Source of Anti-oxidant:
Saffron is a rich source of components that act as anti-oxidant in human body. The major molecules are crocin safranal and kaempferol. Croceton and Crosin which play the main characteristic of the saffron color, protect brain cells against progressive damage. These anti-oxidants improve the fight against free radicals and oxidative stress which are known to play significant role in the development of cancer, heart disease. Therefore it is strongly believed that these anti-oxidants increase the human health protection.
Buy saffron and boost your mood today.