Saffron a Superfood for health

Superfood saffron has impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants – molecules. It also improves the immune system’s ability to fight off viral infections.

Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower. Commonly known as the “saffron crocus”. The term “saffron” applies to the flowers thread like structures or stigma. It originated in Greece, where it was revered for its medicinal properties.

1. A Powerful antioxidant: Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants- molecules which protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. Notable saffron anti-oxidansts include crocin, crocetin, safanal, kaemperol. Crocin and crocetin are considered pigments and responsible for saffron’s red colour. Both compounds may have anti-depressant properties, protect brain cells against progressive damage, improve inflammation, reduce appetite & aid weight loss. Lastly, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound has been linked to health benefits such as reduced inflammation, anti-cancer properties and anti-depressive activity.

2. Treat depressive symptoms: Saffron is nicknamed the “sunshine spice”. That’s not just due to its distinct colur, but also because it may help brighten your mood. Both the saffron petals and thread like stigma appear to be effective against mild to moderate depression.

3.May reduce PMS Symptoms: Both eating and smelling saffron appears to help treat Pre-menstrual syndrome(PMS) symptoms such as irritability, headaches, cravings, pain and anxiety.

4. May act as an aphrodisiac: Aphrodisiac are foods or supplements that help boosts your libido. For instance, taking 30 mg of saffron daily over 4 weeks significantly improved erectile function over a placebo in men with anti-depressant related erectile dysfunction. Saffron may have aphrodisiac properties for both men and women and may especially help those taking anti-depressants.

5. Promoting weight loss: Saffron may help promote weight losss and curb the appetite. Helps to reduce body mass index(BMI), total fat mass, waist circumference.

6. Protection against cold: Saffron is a stimulant tonic and very effective to treat cold and fever; saffron mixed in milk and applied over the forehead quickly relieves cold.

7. In delayed puberty: In under developed girls, saffron has an overall stimulant effect. A pinch of saffron crushed in a tablespoon of milk is useful to stimulate hormones and bring about desired effect.

8. Immune response: Saffron increase white blood cells count without affecting the levels of other blood cells. It also inhibit viral replication and entry into cells, potentially improving the immune system’s ability to fight off viral infections.