Saffron

What is saffron

Saffron comes from a specific type of crocus flower and is a spice widely used in the Mediterranean region. As the extraction of saffron is very complex - it takes 75,000 flowers to produce one pound of saffron - saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.

What is saffron used for?

Some studies show that oral saffron supplements may help with Alzheimer's disease. One small study concluded that saffron was as effective as the standard drugs normally used in slowing Alzheimer's symptoms. However, further research is needed to confirm this. Saffron could help with depression. Several studies have shown that it works just as well as a commonly used antidepressant when it comes to relieving symptoms. However, larger-scale studies are still needed to determine whether saffron is a safe and effective treatment. Saffron is an antioxidant. Laboratory and animal studies are currently being conducted to determine whether saffron can help treat or prevent certain types of cancer. Furthermore, saffron could help with premenstrual syndrome and painful periods. It could also help with other conditions such as high cholesterol levels, but there is no clear evidence for this yet.

Dosage

Ideal dosages have not yet been established for any disease.

Can you eat saffron naturally?

Saffron is a widely used spice. You can buy it in larger grocery stores or specialty stores

Risks and side effects

Side effects

Short-term use of saffron supplements appears to be safe and harmless for most people. However, these supplements can cause side effects such as anxiety, changes in appetite, stomach upset, drowsiness and headaches. Using saffron in higher doses or over a longer period of time could be risky

Risks

Saffron can cause mood swings in people suffering from bipolar disorder. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use saffron.

Interactions

When used as a supplement, saffron can cause problems for people taking medication for high blood pressure, blood thinners or diabetes medication. For this reason, the use of saffron supplements should be discussed with your doctor if you are taking medication.