Saffron, sometimes known as the "golden spice," has been used as a seasoning and colouring element in cooking for centuries. Modern research has validated the benefits of saffron for mental health, eyesight, and immunity, while other traditional uses have been put into question. Continue reading to discover the uses, benefits, and drawbacks of saffron.

 

What is Saffron?

 

Saffron, also known as Za'faran or Kesar, is a spice derived from the Crocus sativus plant. Because of its yellow colour and high price, saffron is known as the Golden Spice. Saffron has been used as a food flavouring and colouring ingredient for about four millennia. More than 90% of the world's saffron is now produced in Iran.

 

The stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower are thread-like structures with a crimson colour. The stigmas are plucked and dried to make saffron.

 

Saffron's flavour, colour, and health benefits come from a variety of chemical components.

 

Snapshot

Proponents:

 

It's possible that it will help people with Alzheimer's disease.

It has the potential to help people who are depressed.

Painful periods and PMS can be relieved with this supplement.

Assists the immune system.

It has the potential to make physical enactment more advanced.

It may help to protect the brain, heart, and liver.

 

Sceptics

Most benefits, they suggest, are lacking in clinical data.

To acquire effective doses, you'll need supplements.

Cooking has the potential to destroy some useful components.

Pregnant women may be put in danger.

 

Saffron Health Benefits

 

Depression

Saffron extract may help with mental health by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels.

 

In a meta-analysis of five clinical trials, saffron dramatically reduced depressive symptoms. It worked in the same way as standard antidepressants.

 

Similar improvements in depression symptoms were observed in 61 people with schizophrenia who were given saffron extract for 12 weeks. Saffron was well received and was considered safe to use, but more research is needed to establish if it is as successful as other schizophrenia therapies.

 

Sexual Purpose

 

Saffron supplementation for 10 days boosted the frequency and length of erections in 20 male erectile dysfunction patients, allowing for a study. The findings are limited by the lack of a placebo control group in this study.

 

In another study, 25 diabetic men with erectile dysfunction showed that saffronS gel significantly improved sexual performance and increased the frequency of erections (a frequent symptom of diabetes).

 

However, in a much larger study of 346 males, saffron extract (30 mg twice daily for 12 weeks) had no effect on erectile dysfunction symptoms when compared to Cenforce 200 and Cenforce 100.