The Golden Spice: Saffron and Its Health Benefits

Derived from the saffron crocus, saffron is a golden-yellow spice that is used to color or spice a myriad of food recipes. One of the world’s most expensive spices, saffron may well be worth the price considering the delightful flavor it brings to a multitude of dishes and the amazing health benefits it offers. Saffron is filled with flavor-producing compounds as well as nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium. Since ancient times, saffron has been used medicinally, so it’s not surprising that medical researchers are looking closely at this aromatic spice. If you don’t currently have saffron in your spice rack, you might want to remedy that situation once you learn about the health benefits it offers.

Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in many developed nations. Pharmaceutical companies are continually looking for ways to protect heart health. What if you had something in your cabinet or pantry to prevent conditions like atherosclerosis that detract from cardiovascular health? If you have saffron in your kitchen, you have a powerful food that can lower pressure on blood vessels and arteries. Saffron is said to be able to reduce levels of bad cholesterol that can also compromise heart health. Countries situated on the Mediterranean Sea that regularly include saffron in their diets enjoy a lower incidence of heart disease, so keep this spice around if you want to enhance your heart health.

Improve Circulation

Looking for a simple way to boost your metabolism and increase your energy levels? Be sure to include saffron in your diet for these effects. Saffron can increase metabolism and energy by improving circulation. Saffron contains a high level of iron. This stimulates blood circulation and enhances the oxygenation of your body’s extremities and vital organs. Improved oxygenation can translate into increased functionality of your body’s organ systems. Many cultures have prescribed saffron to reduce symptoms of anemia. Various studies have confirmed saffron’s ability to boost circulation, so if you’re interested in a natural energy booster, add saffron to some of your favorite dishes.

Maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Saffron contains a considerable amount of manganese that can help keep blood sugar levels regulated. Diabetes affects millions of people in the world. So many of today’s researchers are looking at natural remedies to help sufferers combat symptoms of this dangerous condition. When blood sugar is carefully maintained, insulin and glucose levels can be prevented from spiking. If you don’t suffer from this condition, saffron could help you ward it off. If you do have diabetes, you could include saffron in your diet to help keep its symptoms at bay. A healthy diet is essential for managing diabetes successfully. Be sure to make saffron a healthy part of your diet.

Fights Cancer

Saffron contains a plethora of antioxidants that ramp up its cancer-fighting protections. Antioxidants are integral for preventing cells known as free radicals from compromising healthy cells or mutating into dangerous cancerous cells. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants may be able to prevent the development of some cancers or prevent cancerous cells from spreading. Studies suggest that saffron could prevent the growth of tumors. In addition, this refreshing spice can also provide nutritional support to patients who are going through chemotherapy. With a growing body of research that supports this theory, people should definitely add saffron to their diets.

Vision Support

Studies show that saffron can help ward off macular degeneration, a common age-relation condition that can lead to blindness. Once macular degeneration sets in, the retina’s light-sensitive cells break down. The properties in saffron can protect these light-sensitive cells. Recent studies have suggested that saffron can improve the visual acuity in individuals that are suffering from age-related macular degeneration, particularly in its early stages. If you are concerned about age-related vision impairment, sprinkle some saffron on your meals periodically to enjoy its protective benefits.

Enhance Bone Health

Include saffron in your diet to help prevent the development of conditions like age-related diseases and osteoporosis. Saffron contains various compounds and minerals that help with optimum bone health. One of saffron’s most important contributions to bone health is its calcium inclusion. A calcium-rich diet is essential for overall health, but it’s particularly vital for bone health. You should ensure that your body is getting the calcium it needs to keep bones strong. Saffron can help in its uniquely delicious way.

Help for Anxiety and Depression

If you suffer from mild anxiety or depression, saffron could help improve your mood. Especially if you make this spice a regular part of your diet. Saffron contains compounds that stimulate the production hormones that help with feelings of calm and happiness. Known as the “natural antidepressant,” saffron could hold the key to relief for many individuals with mood disorders. Saffron can be an important part of your diet if you’re going through a rough patch.

Protect Nerve Function

Protect your nervous system functionality by including saffron in your diet. With its high concentration of B complex vitamins, saffron can provide excellent support for nerve function throughout your body. Optimum nerve function isn’t just essential to our physical health, but our mental health too. Researchers are learning that this golden spice that packs such a potent flavor in dishes can help ward off dangerous nerve-related diseases. To protect nerve function, look for new recipes that include this spice so you can enjoy its nervous system protections.

Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Saffron reduces inflammation with conditions like gout or athletic injuries. Creams and ointments that contain saffron help to reduce pain by targeting inflammation. Saffron also contains a wealth of antioxidants that can speed up the healing of wounds and bruises. A saffron mix can help topically for pain relief results. Since there are very few side effects associated with this healthy spice, it’s not surprising why many pharmaceutical companies are researching new drugs that will contain saffron. Keep in mind that saffron can induce uterine activity in high doses. So if you’re pregnant, be sure to discuss its use to treat inflammation and pain with your doctor.

Enhance Digestion

Saffron has been prescribed by medical practitioners to provide relief for common digestive ailments. With its anti-inflammatory properties, saffron calms complaints like stomach aches due to indigestion, cramping, bloating, and constipation. It can also help treat conditions like gastric ulcers. Saffron has a slight sedative effect. So if you’re unable to sleep because of indigestion, this spice could offer some relief. If you’re struggling with a bout of indigestion, consider preparing a meal with simple foods like saffron rice or a broth infused with delicious saffron.