Benefits and Side Effects of Saffron

Saffron is a small, bulbous spice acquired from a flower called saffron crocus. The reason for its high price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes its production costs.

Saffron is mainly produced in Iran and other countries such as Morocco and Italy while Spain is the largest importer of spice.

Saffron has a variety of beneficial properties and has a high amount of minerals and vitamins that are helpful to human health such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and B12, Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamin, Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Zinc.

Today we're going to go check out some of the health benefits of Saffron.
  1. The first benefit of Saffron is its cancer-fighting properties. Saffron contains a carotene called crocin, and it mainly works as an anti-tumor, especially on the colon, skin, blood, prostate, lung, etc. also antioxidants play a part as free radicals scavengers.
  2. The second benefit is that it relieves anxiety. Saffron is nicknamed the sunshine spice but not only because of its crimson-red color. Saffron contains many active compounds that stimulate the endocrine system, which causes the release of hormones that actually makes us feel happy. The saffron extract also increases dopamine levels in the brain and treats mild-to-moderate depression.
  3. The third benefit of Saffron is its skincare functions. Saffron can be used as cream or oil. It can be applied to the skin to relieve aches and inflammatory problems. The anti-inflammatory ingredient in Saffron causes the skin to have a beautiful natural glow. Therefore, several beauty creams and other cosmetic products use saffron as their ingredient.
  4. The other benefit of Saffron is its ability to reduce the blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes. Manganese in Saffron helps balance blood sugar levels. This also helps regulate the amount of insulin released from the pancreas. Thus, a person is less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and a person already dealing with type 2 diabetes can benefit a lot from consuming saffron.
  5. the antioxidants in saffron can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Thiamin and Riboflavin, found in saffron can provide added protection for cardiovascular diseases. It further eliminates blockage from your arteries and reduces the risk of strokes and keeps the heart healthy.
  6. One of the well-known benefits of Saffron is that it works as an aphrodisiac. Saffron has aphrodisiac components for both men and women. Therefore, regular intake of saffron may significantly improve sexual activity. Especially for those using antidepressant medication.
  7. Improving eyesight is also one of the benefits of saffron. having Vitamin, A in its ingredients Scientists have discovered that saffron improves visual efficiency. saffron improves eyesight in adults with a history of age-related macular degeneration disorder (AMD). The antioxidant properties in the saffron fight against free radical damage associated with AMD.
  8. One of the most important benefits of Saffron is its effectiveness in combating Alzheimer’s. Again, the antioxidant components in Saffron prevent the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein and also prevent the complications of aluminum in your brain.
  9. The other interesting benefit of saffron is weight loss. The dietary fiber in Saffron makes you feel full, also the antioxidants Crocin and crocetin reduce the appetite. While creating the feeling of being full, it prevents the chance of snacking. Therefore, consuming saffron supplements can help with weight loss.

Now that we’ve talked about Saffron’s benefits, it’s time to talk a little about its side effects as well.

Saffron is usually safe to consume and has minimal side effects. But still, in some conditions, it’s best to avoid the usage of saffron.

  1. Pregnancy

An excessive quantity of saffron may cause the uterus to contract and result in a miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should not use high doses of saffron.

  1. Psychological treatment

Saffron alters your mood. Therefore, patients with bipolar or other phycological disorders should avoid using saffron.  

  1. Plant Allergy

Before consuming saffron you should make sure that you’re not allergic to it. So, ensure there are no problems in using saffron with your doctor before using the spice in your diet.

And Always:

  • Consult your physician before Using Saffron in any way.
  • Doses above 5mg or above are toxic and should never be used.
  • Artificial colors may be added to the saffron powder. Hence, always make sure to buy from a reliable source.