Saffron Tea

Here are 10 impressive health benefits of saffron

1. A powerful antioxidant

Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds. These act as antioxidants — molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.

Notable saffron antioxidants include :

• crocin
• crocetin
• safranal
• kaempferol

Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments responsible for saffron’s red color. Both compounds may :

• have antidepressant properties
• protect brain cells against progressive damage
• improve inflammation
• reduce appetite
• aid weight loss

Safranal gives saffron its distinct taste and aroma. Research shows that it may help improve your mood, memory, and learning ability, as well as protect your brain cells against oxidative stress . Lastly, kaempferol is found in saffron flower petals. This compound has been linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, anticancer properties, and antidepressant activity

2. May improve mood and treat depressive symptoms

In a review of five studies, saffron supplements were significantly more effective than placebos at treating symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression . Other studies found that taking 30 mg of saffron daily was just as effective as Fluoxetine, Imipramine, and Citalopram — conventional treatments for depression. Additionally, fewer people experienced side effects from saffron than from other treatments .

3. May have cancer-fighting properties

Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer . In test-tube studies, saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill colon cancer cells or suppress their growth, while leaving healthy cells unharmed . This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung, breast, cervix, and several other cancer cells . Test-tube studies have also found that crocin — the main antioxidant in saffron — may make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs .

4. May reduce PMS symptoms

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period. Studies show that saffron may help treat PMS symptoms. Another study found that simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms like anxiety and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol .

6. May reduce appetite and aid weight loss

Snacking is a common habit that may cause you to gain weight. According to research, saffron may help prevent snacking by curbing your appetite.

 7. May reduce heart disease risk factors:

Animal and test-tube studies indicate that saffron’s antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging .

 8. May lower blood sugar levels:

Saffron may lower blood sugar levels and raise insulin sensitivity, as seen in test-tube studies and mice with diabetes .

 9. May improve eyesight in adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD):

Saffron appears to improve eyesight in adults with AMD and protect against free radical damage, which is linked to AMD .

10. May improve memory in adults with Alzheimer’s disease:

Saffron’s antioxidant properties may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer’s disease .