10 Incredible Saffron Benefits For Your Mind + Body

10 Amazing Saffron Benefits

1. Boosts mood

In traditional Persian medicine, Saffron has been used to treat depression, elevate mood, increase feelings of happiness, and even induce a sense of euphoria. In a clinical study, Saffron was found (1) to be just as effective as the commonly prescribed SSRI, fluoxetine, supporting saffron’s antidepressant capabilities.

2. Supports detoxification

Saffron is a natural source of the antioxidant glutathione, which plays a role in helping (2) your body to detox through supporting your liver – your body’s main detox organ. In addition, glutathione (3) leads to cell regeneration and a healthy gut.

3. Lowers inflammation

Saffron has powerful anti-inflammatory abilities due to its high antioxidant, crocetin, and crocin content that work to fight (4) pro-inflammatory cytokines.

4. Enhances cognitive function

Not only can saffron intake help improve (5) short-term memory, saffron has been shown to help improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease to the same extent (6) as the commonly prescribed Alzheimer’s drugs, donepezil, and imipramine (7) but without the adverse side effects.

5. Promotes skin health

Two well-known skin-enhancing nutrients vitamin C and glutathione are abundant in saffron which work to fight free-radical damage to cells that contribute to dull skin and wrinkles. One study (8) even showed that daily intake of saffron can improve mild to moderate psoriasis. Our largest organ, our skin, has a unique relationship with the internal detoxification of the liver, one that can be solved with glutathione optimization.

6. Reduces heart disease risk

Cholesterol has often been an indicator of heart disease risk. While sometimes that can be an over-simplistic view of heart disease, saffron has been shown to inhibit (9) the rise of both triglyceride and total LDL numbers, both of which are markers for increased risk of heart disease. In locations where saffron is a diet staple, such as Spain, reports showed overall lower rates of cardiovascular disease.

7. Aids digestion

Because saffron can promote blood flow to the digestive system it can help ease symptoms of digestive distress. It also coats the gut to help soothe and calm damage and inflammation, which can be particularly useful in the cases of leaky gut syndrome.

8. Reduces cravings

Consumption of saffron has been shown (10) in studies to help you feel fuller for longer and more satiated to therefore reduce cravings and unnecessary snacking.

9. Hormonal health

Saffron has been found to be an effective treatment for PMS symptoms (11) with more relief experienced over time with each new cycle.

10. Assists weight loss

Weight loss was shown to be a byproduct of increased satiety and reduced snacking from saffron intake. Saffron has also been shown to promote overall weight loss (12) through its antioxidative properties and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Is it safe to take saffron daily?

If you have noticed any signs or symptoms of hormone imbalance, skin problems, poor digestion, low moods, or stubborn weight, you might have a lot to gain from these saffron benefits. You may choose to take saffron supplements or incorporate saffron into your meals twice a day until you see improvements. Keep in mind that it is always important to consult a medical professional when incorporating any kind of supplementation to reduce risk to your unique health needs.

How to get more saffron benefits from your diet

While saffron is a great spice to cook with, it can come with a hefty price tag to always cook with fresh saffron. That's why one of my favorite ways to incorporate saffron into my life is through supplementation. These are a few of my favorite saffron supplements that I alternate between:

SAFFORIA

Each 4oz. bottle of SAFFORIA Elixirs has a medicinal amount of saffron along with other superfoods like black pepper, ginger, and passionfruit to make it more bioavailable and elevate its already amazing health benefits.  At only 30 calories, SAFFORIA is not only nutrient-dense, it is vegan, gluten-free, preservative-free, and GMO-free with no synthetic fillers or added sugars.

The FULLEST

With their line of saffron latte powders, supplements, saffron threads, and saffron-based personal care products, they offer endless ways to reap the benefits of saffron. All of their products contain only the highest quality organic ingredients that are gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and glyphosate free.

Who should not take saffron?

Saffron has very few risks or side effects and is considered generally safe, though there are some who should consider more carefully its use. As for most treatments, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid the use of saffron or consult a medical professional first. Those who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder or blood pressure conditions – or are otherwise taking blood pressure medication or blood thinners – should also practice caution as it can have negative interactions. 

Getting to the root of your unique health concerns

Whether your reason for using saffron stems from a need for digestive, cognitive, cardiac, mood, or even weight loss support, you may only be scratching the surface of the root cause of your symptoms. Dr. Will Cole offers an expert analysis of the deeply rooted conditions that stem from your unique biology and exactly how to treat them to find relief. Utilizing the benefits of saffron is just the beginning. Schedule your health consultation today!

As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe.

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