Saffron is a type of spice commonly used for coloring or food ingredients. Saffron comes from the pistil stem of the flower Crocus sativus and has a yellow or orange colour. Apart from being named the spice with the highest selling value in the world, saffron also has various health benefits. As quoted from Healthline.com, here are some benefits that you can get from consuming saffron;

1. Rich in antioxidants
   As we all know, antioxidants can play an important role in fighting free radicals. Saffron contains crocin and crocetin antioxidants which act as antidepressants, protecting brain cells from progressive damage, and they can help reduce your weight by reducing your appetite. Safranal, which plays a role in giving taste and aroma to saffron, can help improve your memory and mood. Kaempferol in saffron is known to have anti-cancer properties and can help reduce inflammation.
2. Helps reduce PMS symptoms
   Every woman has different PMS symptoms, including strong pain, headache or anxiety. Several studies have shown that saffron can help to reduce these symptoms. Saffron is proven to work more effectively in reducing headaches, pain and irritability in women aged 20-45 years compared to placebo. Inhaling the scent of saffron is also known to reduce anxiety during PMS period.
3. Increase sexual desire
   Some studies suggested that saffron could help increase sexual desire, especially for those who take antidepressants. Taking 30 mg of saffron every day is known to increase sexual ability in both men and women and can reduce sex-related pain.
4. Good for people with diabetes and Alzheimer's
   Saffron is good for diabetics because it has the ability to reduce blood sugar levels by increasing the body's insulin sensitivity. In addition, a study showed that antioxidants contained in saffron could also improve cognitive abilities of people with Alzheimer’s.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Healthline - 11 Impressive Health Benefits of Saffron (2019). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/saffron, February 13, 2019.