Saffron, known as "red gold," offers a range of benefits that go beyond its culinary use. It has an extensive history of use in herbal medicine, especially in Asia. Now, more clinical trials are being conducted to explore its benefits.
Saffron also contains many essential nutrients, including manganese, vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. These nutrients contribute to our overall health and well-being and are nutrients I try to include in my supplement routine, which makes Saffron a no-brainer.
Saffron has been used to improve mood, help with sleep habits, promote weight loss, boost memory capacity, as an anti-inflammatory, and more.
With that, here are some of the key benefits of Saffron that I share with my patients.
1. Mood and Sleep
Saffron has been linked to the production of serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. Adding saffron to your diet may help you achieve a more positive, consistent mood during the day.
Some studies also suggest that saffron may have sleep-enhancing properties. In 6 well-conducted studies, saffron improved the quality of sleep and the number of hours slept.
It even increased our natural melatonin production, which is the circadian hormone we make at night to help us stay asleep.
I am always cautious about recommending sleep supplements because some have that dreaded “hangover” effect, where you feel drowsy and inattentive the next day. Saffron does not cause the “hangover” effect, which is an excellent quality for a sleep aid.
Overall, saffron is a safe and effective natural supplement to help you sleep better, feel less anxious, and be more attentive during the day.
2. Weight Loss
Rates of obesity have led the World Health Organization to consider obesity a pandemic that needs global focus. In their search for new weight loss supplements, saffron was discovered as a potential solution.
Saffron has shown promise in weight management. Some use it to help regulate their appetite and reduce cravings between meals.
Patients taking saffron regularly were able to reduce their body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Not only that, their weight and bad cholesterol levels dropped, and their healthy cholesterol levels (HDL) increased, making saffron a promising natural option for those looking for help with weight management.
3. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory
Saffron is rich in antioxidants, such as crocin and crocetin, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants like saffron protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which damage our cell walls and DNA.
The antioxidants in saffron, particularly crocetin, don’t just protect our cells. They can also improve our memory. Regular consumption of saffron may promote better cognitive function and memory sharpness.
Studies even suggest that it can help prevent age-related neurodegeneration and age-related heart damage, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, and saffron’s ability to reduce that inflammation can help promote better organ health and overall well-being.
I’ve worked with them to produce the highest-quality supplements using all-natural ingredients. We only source from companies that conduct rigorous third-party testing, so you can take our supplements confidently, knowing they are free from contaminants.
I take Science Natural Supplements Pure Saffron with breakfast and dinner. It’s packed with nutrients and comes in easy-to-take capsules.
I recommend this supplement to most of my clients, but it’s not for everyone. For example, Saffron should not be used by pregnant women because of the limited clinical evidence during pregnancy.
As with any supplement, always consult your doctor before starting a new one.