Health Benefits
Saffron has been used for thousands of years for its incredible taste, colour and aroma. However, its gifts to us don’t stop there… it also offers some suprising health benefits.
Health Benefits of Saffron
It’s one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our customers … is saffron good for your health? The short answer is yes. In fact, along with its great taste, colour and aroma, the health benefits of saffron have been recognised for centuries.
Most people know a little about saffron. They might recognise it is a spice and that it has a vibrant yellowish-orange colour. But while it has a key role to play in the kitchen, few people know anything about the potential health benefits saffron can bring too.
Could saffron be a great mood lifter?
For example, while you may have heard its nickname, “the sunshine spice”, it is reasonable for you to think that is down to its colour. However, research suggests saffron may play a role in lessening mild depressive symptoms.
Saffron may help reduce stress, anxiety and mild depression.
Saffron performed better than a placebo in several studies, while performing on par with various medicines usually taken for depression. Hence the sunshine name, as it could help lift the mood.
Saffron health benefits could help reduce anxiety, stress, and irritability
Similarly, it appears that anxiety, stress, and irritability may also improve when taking or even smelling saffron. Yes, you did read that correctly! This outcome was noted in a study of women suffering from premenstrual syndrome or PMS. Once again, that mood-lifting potential seems worth exploring in more detail in the future.
Is it an aphrodisiac?
Another example of how saffron may help improve your mood relates to its potential aphrodisiac properties. Studies have shown it could have positive health benefits for both men and women – great news for us all!
Studies have shown saffron could have a positive effect on sexulal health for both men and women.
Several studies highlighted better erectile function in men when compared to a placebo. Meanwhile, women who were on antidepressant medication were found to have increased sexual desire when taking a daily dose of saffron. Antidepressants are known to reduce desire as a side effect.
Powerful antioxidative properties
No doubt you have heard about antioxidants. We know that antioxidants help protect our cells, combating the negative effects of free radicals and the stress of oxidation.
Incredibly, saffron contains at least four individual antioxidants
There are at least four individual antioxidants all present in saffron. So, when you add some to a meal, your health may end up benefiting from those features.
Saffron contains at least four powerful antioxidants.
Scientific research suggests that it could help reduce or prevent inflammation throughout the body. This is thought to be responsible for many health conditions, both physical and mental.
Combatting cancer with saffron
Free radicals can damage cells throughout the body. This creates the chance that they could trigger cells to become cancerous. Links have been noted with other conditions too. Since the antioxidants in saffron (and there are several, remember) are seen to reduce free radicals and the damage they do, it makes sense they could potentially help fight cancer.
There haven’t been many studies on this, but one study found that crocus sativus extract did inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells used in the study. Furthermore, normal cells were not harmed by the presence of the extract.
Not surprisingly, the authors encouraged further research. If saffron and its antioxidative properties were found to slow growth of cancer cells, it could be a significant breakthrough.
More studies are needed on the health benefits of saffron
We know certain encouraging facts about saffron. Its high levels of antioxidants certainly have positive effects on many bodily functions. With so many potential benefits available to our health, it makes sense that we would hope further studies are made into its benefits in future.
In the meantime, regularly adding quality saffron to your recipes is the smartest way to take advantage of those perks now.
Buy our premium quality, award-winning saffron
Sara Saffron offer a full range of authentic, award-winning saffron for incredible freshness, deep colour, pungent aroma and superb flavour. In our expert opinion this is the finest saffron you can buy.
Our saffron comes direct from the best farms in the Khorasan province of the Middle East and includes Pushal, Negin, Super Negin and Organic saffron.