.There are numerous ways this spice can make your life better. Let’s take a look at them

Reasons why saffron is useful for the body

Fights Cancer

Studies have shown that cancerous rats treated with saffron aqueous extract showed improvement in their condition. And crocin, the compound in saffron, had inhibited the growth of colorectal cancer cells (while it left the healthy cells unaffected). It also had shown similar effects in the case of hepatic and prostate cancers. The spice had also played a major role in treating skin cancer.

Saffron is rich in carotenoids, which can contribute to its anticancer properties. Crocin in saffron can prevent breast cancer and leukemia.

Aids Arthritis Treatment

An Italian study states that crocetin in saffron can enhance cerebral oxygenation, consequently facilitating arthritis treatment.

Improves Vision

A Spanish study states that the natural compounds in saffron can help prevent vision loss and retinal degeneration. Safranal, one of the compounds in the spice, was found to preserve photoreceptor morphology (the mechanism in the eyes that helps study the forms of things you see), visual response, and capillary network.

Cures Insomnia

Though research is limited, certain studies say that saffron can cure insomnia. Other studies show that saffron can help in treating depression, and insomnia related to thecondition.

Boosts Brain Health

Numerous studies show saffron to be effective in treating learning and memory impairments. In one such study, administering 30 mg of saffron a day showed improvement in the condition of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Also, crocin and ethanolic extracts of saffron displayed antidepressant effects in rodents. Saffron supplementation had also largely improved the mood of the subjects in another study. Saffron aqueous extract was well tolerated even by schizophrenic patients, with no serious side effects.

Helps Cure Asthma

Reports throw light on saffron’s use for asthma since the ancient times. Traditional medicine has mentioned the use of saffron for this purpose. However, research is limited. Hence, consult your doctor for more details.

Promotes Digestion

Saffron was found to play a key role in promoting digestion and treating digestive disorders through its antioxidant effects and radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also shows potential in treating peptic ulcers and ulcerative colitis.

Heals Wounds

Saffron can also heal wounds, especially those caused by burns. The spice was found to increase re-epithelialization in burn wounds.

Enhances Immunity And Energy Levels

The carotenoids in saffron can positively affect immunity. A study has found that sub-chronic use of 100 mg of saffron daily can have a temporary immunomodulatory activity without any harmful effects. Saffron petal extract was also found to increase the antibody response in laboratory rats.

Saffron is also believed to improve energy levels – but we don’t have clear evidence on this.

Is Good During Pregnancy

According to an Iranian study, saffron can increase the readiness of the cervix during term pregnancy. It also has the highest effect on effacement (shortening of the uterine cervix and the thinning of its walls). Also, the number of cesarean sections was lower in women who took saffron.

Might Offer Relief From Menstrual Symptoms

There is limited evidence on saffron relieving menstrual symptoms. However, an Iranian herbal drug comprising of saffron was found to relieve primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation involving abdominal cramps).

Improves Heart Health

Due to its antioxidant properties, saffron helps maintain healthy arteries and blood vessels. And the spice’s anti-inflammatory properties also benefit the heart. Saffron is the richest source of riboflavin, an important vitamin for the heart. The crocetin in the spice indirectly regulates blood cholesterol levels and reduces the severity of atherosclerosis.

Saffron can also lower blood pressure, which otherwise would lead to heart attacks.

Enhances Liver Health

One study shows how cancer could be beneficial to patients with liver metastases. Saffron was also found to offer protection against structural liver damages. It also aids in the treatment of liver toxicity.