Health experts confirm that saffron is one of the most precious, valuable, and highly prized spices in the world. This is not only due to its rarity and golden color, but also to its long-standing therapeutic value in both Eastern and Western cultures.
Studies indicate that adding this "red gold" to your diet may offer a wide range of health benefits, including improved mood, enhanced sleep quality, heart protection, and weight management, according to the scientific website Verywell Health.
Boosting Mental Health
Medical evidence suggests that saffron's active compounds, most notably crocin and safranal, can raise levels of neurotransmitters associated with psychological well-being, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Systematic reviews have concluded that saffron helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and its effects are comparable to some pharmaceutical antidepressants, but with fewer side effects and a more natural character, making it a potential adjunctive treatment option for certain conditions under medical supervision.
Improved Vision and Eye Protection
In the area of eye health, the results are also promising. Several studies have found that daily saffron supplementation can improve vision in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.
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Saffron has also demonstrated the ability to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, which may help slow the progression of the disease. The powerful antioxidants in saffron are believed to help protect the eye's cells from damage.
Promoting Sleep Health
Research has shown that saffron can improve sleep quality. Scientific reviews indicate that it prolongs sleep duration and enhances sleep quality by stimulating sleep receptors in the brain and increasing the secretion of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the circadian rhythm. This benefit, in particular, makes saffron a desirable natural option for those suffering from mild insomnia or stress-related sleep disorders.
Saffron also plays a positive role in promoting heart health. Studies have shown that it can contribute to lowering blood pressure, improving blood sugar levels, reducing total cholesterol, and lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Heart Health and Ideal Weight
Saffron may also help the circulatory system function more efficiently, making it a helpful complement to preventative medical treatment, provided a doctor is consulted.
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Some studies have also shown that saffron helps reduce appetite and cravings for snacks between meals, which contributes to weight loss, a lower body mass index (BMI), and a smaller waist circumference.
These results have been observed in adolescents, obese individuals, and those with heart disease. However, researchers emphasize the need for more studies before considering it a treatment for obesity.
Although saffron is used in small quantities, it contains powerful antioxidants and important minerals such as manganese.
It is available in capsules, extracts, tablets, liquids, powders, and as an herbal infusion prepared like tea. It is also used in some skincare products.
Avoid it in these cases:
When should saffron be avoided?
Doctors advise against the use of saffron by:
- Pregnant women, due to the possibility of stimulating contractions that could lead to miscarriage.
- Breastfeeding mothers, due to insufficient evidence regarding its safety.
- It can also interact with blood thinners, mood medications, and sleeping pills.
Excessive consumption may cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Doses under 5 grams per day are considered safe for healthy adults.
In conclusion, saffron is not just a luxury spice; Rather, it is a component rich in antioxidants and promising therapeutic capabilities that extend from mental health to sleep, heart, and weight. However, its effectiveness depends on moderate doses and conscious use, with the necessity of consulting a doctor before resorting to supplements.
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