Saffron and Its Surprising Health Benefits

Pulao rice is never finished without adding a bit of saffron at the final stage. Saffron is made from the dried stigmas of the flowering plant Crocus sativus. The intensive labor involved in its harvesting makes it the most costly herb. People enjoyed saffron benefits as a culinary spice in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines. Apart from its use for taste, several medical benefits of saffron have been identified. The present blog discusses the saffron uses, and various saffron health benefits in detail. 

Where is saffron used?

Since ancient times, saffron uses were linked to multiple regional dishes as it was known as a flavoring agent. These include Spanish paella, Iranian khoreshes dishes, French bouillabaisse, and a variety of meat, seafood, rice, and dessert recipes in the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cuisines.  

The saffron specialty:

Saffron is an important medicinal herb added as a flavoring agent due to its bright red color. The various saffron benefits are due to multiple biologically active compounds. These compounds give saffron a unique aroma, color, and health benefits. Recent studies have identified various saffron uses for inflammation, depression, and cholesterol-reducing actions.  

Special compounds:  

Among the 100 compounds identified, saffron benefits are mainly due to crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal. The red color is due to crocetin compounds, the bitter taste is due to picrocrocin, and the aroma is due to saffranal. Due to the immense saffron health benefits, scientists have used it for an array of health conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, psychological disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, sexual health, and eye diseases.  

Nutritional value of saffron:

As saffron is consumed in milder quantities, it is not a greater source of micro or macronutrients. Saffron provides about 13 calories of energy, 0.25 grams of fat, 2,74 grams of carbohydrates, 0.16 grams of fiber, 0.48 grams of protein, 3.4 milligrams of vitamin C, and 1.19 milligrams of manganese.  

Saffron availability forms:

Saffron is easily available and can be obtained from local markets. It is available as saffron threads. Apart from the naturally available saffron, it is also available in capsule, tablet, liquid, tea, and powder forms. The maximum saffron benefits can be obtained by soaking saffron in hot water for some time.  

Potential Health Benefits of Saffron:

Due to the potential saffron health benefits and promising effects, it has been extensively studied for its health uses. The various medical benefits of saffron include the following:

Mental health:  

Research has shown that saffron is extremely useful for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Taking about 30 mg per day of saffron extract for 4 to 12 weeks has immense health benefits. Proprietary saffron products can also be used for saffron benefits on mental health as they contain specific amounts of key active compounds such as crocin and safranal.  

The medical benefits of saffron were found to be as effective as common antidepressant medications without many side effects.  Mild headache, nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and constipation were some of the commonly reported side effects. Saffron petals were also found to have beneficial effects as a cheaper alternative to saffron stigmas.

Cognition:

Research has shown that saffron benefits memory and learning abilities. The saffron uses are advantageous for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by improving cognitive decline. The medical benefits of saffron were similar to standard Alzheimer’s medications like donepezil and memantine in research trials.  

The mechanism by which saffron shows its medicinal effects is due to its effect on inflammation and oxidation. They reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, thus protecting the brain cells from potential damage. They also prevent the buildup of proteins such as beta-amyloid that can lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. They improve the function of various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, that affect mood and cognitive function.  

Cancer protection:

Due to its immense presence of antioxidants, saffron benefits the body by protecting it from harmful free radicals. It has a cancer protective effect as it selectively kills cancer cells and suppresses the growth of abnormal or mutated cells in cancers such as lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and brain cancers. It also makes cancer cells susceptible to chemotherapy drugs.  

Blood glucose and Diabetes:

Research has shown various positive effects of saffron use in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This is due to their ability to lower blood sugar levels. Saffron consumption also reduces fasting blood glucose levels.  

Lipid and cardiac Health:

The saffron benefits the body by reducing body cholesterol levels. It reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. Saffron's cardioprotective effects reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood pressure, potentially lowering the risk of cardiac diseases.

Metabolism and Weight Reduction:

Research has shown that saffron uses lead to weight loss as it reduces appetite and cravings,  

Eye Health:

The medical benefits of saffron are due to its protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in older adults. It was also found to improve retinal function and delay vision loss.

Reproductive Health:

The saffron benefits reproductive health by improving sexual dysfunction in both men and women. It improves erectile dysfunction in men and increases sexual desire and satisfaction in women. Research has shown that saffron consumption has positive effects on sexual desire and lubrication.  

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menstrual Health:

The saffron benefits for female by exerting its effects on premenstrual symptoms such as mood swings, cramps, and fatigue.  

Sleep and Insomnia:

Saffron was found to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms. Even though this mechanism is unknown, it occurs due to serotonin regulation and control of sleep cycles.  

Multiple Sclerosis (MS):  

Research has found saffron benefits inflammatory diseases by exerting anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Safety and Side Effects of Saffron:  

Saffron is considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts or supplement doses of up to 400 mg/day. However, higher doses of more than 5 grams can be toxic and should be avoided. Pregnant women should avoid abnormal doses of saffron as old wives' tales believe saffron improves baby birth color. However, it is a myth as abnormal doses can stimulate uterine contractions, leading to miscarriage. Mild allergic reactions and digestive issues are also seen in individuals who consume abnormal doses of saffron.  

Conclusion:

Saffron is an expensive herb used by our ancestors as a food condiment for a long time. Researchers have found multiple saffron benefits in recent times. The judicious use of the herb gives the appropriate medical benefits of saffron for various diseases. One should know if they are allergic to the compound before using it.