What are the benefits of saffron ?

Écrit par Kevin Calatayud
Modifié le : 9 August 2024

Saffron, often called "red gold", is a precious spice. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties, saffron offers numerous health benefits.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a rare spice, but its role is not limited to flavouring dishes. Its history and medicinal virtues make it a natural treasure that has been prized for centuries. Benefits of saffron for the human bodyare multiple, backed up by scientific research and ancestral knowledge.

Already used in traditional Chinese medicine, Indian ayurveda and ancient Greek medicine, saffron was celebrated for its multiple medicinal properties. Its use dates back more than 3,500 years, when it was prescribed to treat a variety of disorders, from depression to difficult digestion. Saffron is a plant rich in magnesium, manganese, iron, beta-carotene and vitamins B6, B9 and C.

What are saffron’s active ingredients ?

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant cultivated for its red stigmas, which are used as a spice and food coloring. Saffron’s main active compounds include:

Crocin: This is the main pigment responsible for saffron’s red color. It has antioxidant properties and is considered to have beneficial effects on the body.
Safranal: This compound is responsible for saffron’s characteristic aroma. Safranal may have neuroprotective properties. Some research has explored its potential in preventing oxidative damage and reducing the symptoms of certain neurological conditions. Saffronal has antidepressant effects. It is suggested that this may be linked to its influence on neurotransmitters and its anti-inflammatory activity.
Picrocrocine: This compound contributes to saffron’s bitter taste. It can also break down into safranal and glucose during cooking, releasing saffron’s characteristic aromas.
Flavonoids: Saffron contains several flavonoids, which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
Carotenoids: In addition to crocin, saffron contains other carotenoids such as beta-carotene, which have antioxidant properties.

What does saffron do for the body ?

Numerous studies have been carried out on the benefits of saffron. Its main application remains its beneficial role in mood disorders. Indeed, saffron has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Modern studies have corroborated the traditional use of saffron for its effects on mental health. Research published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine indicates that saffron can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression, acting similarly to conventional antidepressants, but with fewer side effects.

Saffron also has a powerful antioxidant action. It is packed with antioxidant compounds such as crocin and crocetin, which help neutralize the free radicals responsible for cellular aging and chronic disease. A study in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences highlighted saffron’s protective effect against oxidative stress, underlining its potential in the prevention of various diseases.

In addition, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, saffron is able to relieve digestive disorders. Research conducted by the University of Medical Sciences in Iran has shown that saffron can alleviate gastrointestinal inflammation, offering support for those suffering from stomach upsets and other digestive disorders.

Saffron has also been associated with improved cognitive function. Studies, such as that published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, have shown that regular consumption of saffron can improve memory and concentration.

Finally, saffron is often considered to have aphrodisiac properties and can potentially influence libido. Studies have suggested that saffron may have positive effects on sexual function due to its antidepressant properties, ability to modulate neurotransmitters and antioxidant effects. In men, research has indicated a possible improvement in erectile function, while in women, improvements in sexual satisfaction and lubrication have been suggested. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before resorting to dietary supplements, particularly for issues related to sexual health.

Conclusion : A natural health treasure

Saffron’s properties make it much more than a spice. It has numerous benefits for the human body. Studies reinforce long-standing knowledge of the benefits of this precious spice for mental health, the digestive system and cognitive function. As we explore saffron’s therapeutic potential, we continue to discover nature’s riches for our well-being and health.

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