Taking saffron supplements has been known to provide antioxidant and anticancer benefits, but they can be some of the most expensive supplements in the market.
The real origin of saffron is debated, with many thinking it most likely came from Iran. Unfortunately, this spice is the most expensive in the world because of the labor-intensive method of harvesting saffron. This spice comes from the Crocus Sativus flower, which is also known as the saffron crocus. The saffron is the flower’s thread-like structures which are called stigma. Although expensive, there are many health benefits to taking saffron supplements; here are seven of them.
1. Saffron is known as a powerful antioxidant
This difficult-to-harvest spice is packed with antioxidants from a variety of plant compounds. These items act as antioxidants and protect your cells. Some of the elements in saffron are known to have antidepressant properties, protect brain cells against progressive damage, improve inflammation, reduce appetite, and help with weight loss. The taste and aroma of saffron come from safranal, and it’s known to help your mood, memory, and learning ability while protecting your brain against oxidative stress.
2. This spice might have cancer-fighting properties
One of the most important reasons to take saffron supplements is the potential to fight cancer. Saffron can help neutralize harmful free radicals which have been linked to chronic diseases, including cancer. Some studies show the compounds in saffron selectively kill colon cancer cells or at the very least, suppress their growth. While the saffron compounds killed or suppressed cancer cells, they left healthy cells unharmed. This also applies to other forms of cancer cells, which means saffron could be an important solution in the battle against most forms of cancer.
3. Saffron could solve your troubles in the bedroom
While a touchy subject for some, as we age, it’s common to have difficulty in the bedroom, including lowered libido and sex drive. This is where aphrodisiacs come in, and saffron is known to be one of these items. For people taking antidepressants, taking a small amount of saffron every day can significantly improve erectile function in men and reduce sex-related pain and increase sexual desire in women. If you’re having trouble in the bedroom, saffron might be the answer.
4. Your heart disease risk could be reduced by saffron
Saffron has been tested on animals and used in test-tube studies to learn more about its impact on our health. The antioxidant properties may lower blood cholesterol and prevent blood vessels and arteries from clogging. These heart disease risk factors challenge many people and make taking saffron supplements an important part of improving our overall health. Could saffron be the wonder spice that we’ve never known it could be? Some tests are pointing in that direction.
5. Improve eyesight and memory
Adults that suffer from age-related macular degeneration should consider adding saffron to their diet. This spice is known to protect against free radical damage, which is linked to age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, adults with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from serious memory loss ad cognitive function. Taking saffron can improve these things because of its antioxidant properties. It might be an expensive spice, but if you have or know family members with these problems, adding saffron can be an incredible solution to help improve and slow the impacts of these diseases.
6. Saffron can reduce appetite and aid in weight loss
Many diet pills meant to curb your appetite are unnatural and have properties that can be harmful. Taking saffron supplements could be the answer you’re looking for. Saffron can help prevent snacking, which is one of the most important ways to curb your appetite. In some studies, women taking this spice felt fuller and lost more weight than women who didn’t take saffron. This spice could also lower your body mass index, improving overall fat loss.
7. Saffron is easy to add to your diet
Even if you don’t take saffron supplements in pill form, you can add them to your meals and to your diet. You don’t need a lot to go a long way; this spice can offer a subtle taste and aroma that’s great with your meals. The best way to enjoy the flavor is to soak the threads in hot water and add the liquid to your recipes. A small amount of this expensive spice can go a long way and make you feel better.
Although filled with amazing health benefits, saffron is still being studied and hasn’t been approved for some purposes which it could be helpful. Still, adding small amounts to your diet can only have a positive impact on your life.
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