Health Benefits of Saffron
                     Health Benefits of Saffron
http://www.rsuren.com/health-
benefits-of-saffron/
What is Saffron?
   Saffron, also known as 
Za’faran, is a spice derived 
from the Crocus sativus plant. 
Alluding to its yellow color and 
high cost, saffron is often 
referred to as the Golden 
Spice. Saffron has been used 
seasoning in food and as a 
coloring agent for over 4 
millennia. Today, over 90% of 
the worlds saffron supply 
stems from Iran.

     Health Benefits of 
Saffron
   Saffron, often referred to as 
the ”golden spice” has been 
used as a seasoning and 
coloring agent in food for 
several years. Modern research 
suggests that saffron can be 
used as an antioxidant, to 
improve the immune system 
and to boost energy levels. 
Continue to read on to discover 
the various other health 
benefits of saffron.

Act as an Aphrodisiac
    Aphrodisiacs are foods or 
supplements that help boost your 
libido. For instance, taking 30 mg of 
saffron daily over four weeks 
significantly improved erectile 
function over placebo in men with 
antidepressant-related erectile 
dysfunction (17Trusted Source). In 
women with low sexual desire due to 
taking antidepressants, 30 mg of 
saffron daily over four weeks reduced 
sex-related pain and increased sexual 
desire and lubrication, compared to a 
placebo (19Trusted Source).

Can Improve Mood 
Disorders
   Saffron extracts can reduce 
depression and anxiety partly by 
increasing levels of dopamine and 
norepinephrine. In meta-analysis 
saffron significantly improved mood. 
saffron can also relieve anxiety in 
mice. One study in mice found that 
saffron extract reduced anxiety-like 
behaviors (elevated plus maze test) 
and increased sleeping time. This 
indicates that saffron may be 
effective in treating insomnia and 
other sleep-related disorders.

Can Improve Sexual Function
    A study of 20 male patients with 
erectile dysfunction found that 
saffron supplementation daily for 
10 days increased the frequency 
and duration of erections. Certain 
medications can diminish sexual 
drive and cause pain during sex, 
like antidepressants. In a study of 
38 women, saffron supplemented 
for 4 weeks improved sexual drive 
and reduced pain associated with 
sex. Saffron also increased 
lubrication, which helped 
minimize pain during sex.

Can Boost Energy Levels
   In a study (DB-RCT) of 28 
healthy men, saffron 
supplementation for 10 days 
increased muscle strength and 
improved reaction time. This is 
likely due to improved 
mitochondrial function in the cell 
(antioxidant activity) and the 
function of the region of the brain 
responsible for reacting to a 
visual and auditory stimulus 
(motor cortex).

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 saffron’s red color. 
Both compounds may have 
antidepressant properties, protect 
brain cells against progressive 
damage, improve inflammation, 
reduce appetite, and aid weight loss.