Saffron
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world
The reason for its hefty price is its labor-intensive harvesting
method, making the production costly.
Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower,
commonly known as the saffron crocus. The term saffron applies to
the flower's thread-like structures, or stigma.
People would eat saffron to enhance libido, boost mood, and improve
memory,
Benefits
1. A Powerful Antioxidant
Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act
as antioxidants molecules that protect your cells against free
radicals and oxidative stress.
Notable saffron antioxidants include crocin, crocetin, safranal,
and kaempferol
Crocin and crocetin are carotenoid pigments and responsible for
saffrons red color. Both compounds may have antidepressant
properties, protect brain cells against progressive damage, improve
inflammation, reduce appetite, and 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
Saffron is nicknamed the sunshine spice.
Thats not just due to its distinct color, but also because it may
help brighten your mood.
Whats more, both the saffron petals and thread-like stigma appear
to be effective against mild-to-moderate depression.
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 normal cells unharmed.
This effect also applies to skin, bone marrow, prostate, lung,
breast, cervix, and several other cancer cells.
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.
Saffron may help treat PMS symptoms.
Simply smelling saffron for 20 minutes helped reduce PMS symptoms
like anxiety and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
5. May Act as an Aphrodisiac
Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your
libido.
Saffron may have aphrodisiac properties for both men and women and
may especially help those taking antidepressants.
6. May Reduce Appetite and Aid Weight Loss
Snacking is a common habit that may put you at risk of gaining
unwanted weight.
7. May reduce heart disease risk factors
Animal and test-tube studies indicate that saffrons 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.
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 Alzheimers
disease
Saffrons antioxidant properties may improve cognition in adults
with Alzheimer's disease.