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.