The abundance of antioxidants in saffron may offer numerous health advantages. It might also improve libido and elevate mood. One spice that stands out for its color and potent scent is saffron. According to preliminary data, it might also combat oxidative stress. The majority of people may safely take saffron, and including it in their diet is rather easy.

Saffron has a wealth of different nutrients that are good for the skin as well. You heard correctly! Saffron can be used to naturally brighten your complexion as well as improve the flavor and color of your food. We’ll discuss the health advantages of saffron milk for skin in this article, along with some great methods to incorporate it into your skincare regimen.

Find out more about saffron’s potential health benefits in this article.

What is Saffron?

Saffron is a common ingredient in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisine and is appreciated throughout the world. The spice’s high content of plant pigments, including the carotenoids crocin and crocetin, gives it an earthy flavor and a vivid reddish-golden color. Studies indicate that consuming saffron may have multiple health benefits due to the health-promoting qualities of saffron and its other constituents. It is a precious spice with a long history. 

Although the precise origin of saffron is unknown, its historical therapeutic applications are widely established. Aphrodisiacs and beauty queen Cleopatra was said to have bathed in saffron-infused water, and Greco-Roman doctors recommended it for a variety of illnesses, including:

  • Infections of the urinary tract
  • Stomach problems 
  • Injuries
  • Depression

One kind of crocus blossom is the saffron. Uses for the dried thread-like flower components (stigmas) include food coloring, medicinal, and saffron spice. Saffron has compounds that may function as antioxidants, reduce edema, kill cancer cells, and change mood. 

Top Health Benefits of Saffron

  1. Assistance for weight reduction

    It can be challenging to try to shed pounds, especially assuming your appetite is by all accounts against you. In a study with a group of women, saffron was found to help women feel less hungry and eat less frequently. There is evidence that saffron can reduce hunger and aid in weight loss. But by itself, it is ineffective. For best results, combine saffron with a nutritious, well-balanced diet.
  1. Treatment for seizures 

Iranian traditional medicine employs saffron as an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) treatment. It has been shown in several research using biological models to shorten some kinds of seizures. To learn more about how it functions, larger clinical trials are necessary. Saffron may have potential as a seizure treatment, but more research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy. Before taking herbs or supplements like saffron, ask your provider if you have a seizure disorder.

  1. Anti-aging properties

Crocin and Safranal, two powerful anti-cancer compounds found in saffron, protect skin from damage caused by radicalized individuals. Free radicals, and unstable chemicals, induce oxidative stress, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and other indications of aging. The cancer prevention agents in Saffron kill these free revolutionaries, keeping the skin looking young and brilliant.

  1. Prevents damage from the sun

It has been discovered that saffron offers protection from solar damage. It can aid in lessening UV damage and shield the skin from additional harm.

5. Diminish Symptoms of PMS

Several emotional, psychological, and physical abnormalities are referred to together as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Before the menstrual period begins, symptoms appear. Saffron might be able to lessen PMS symptoms. 

6. Increases Libido 

Studies have shown that taking pills containing herbal aphrodisiacs increases libido. Saffron may have aphrodisiac qualities for both genders. Consequently, consistent use of saffron as directed by a doctor may greatly enhance erectile performance. It works well, particularly for people using antidepressants.

6. Diminishes Hunger and Promotes Loss of Weight
 

Saffron’s dietary fiber prolongs feelings of fullness. People who take saffron supplements feel incredibly full as a result. Additionally, dietary fiber suppresses appetite and minimizes harmful snacking. It thereby keeps you from indulging in binge eating and helps in weight loss. For clear skin one must include a glass of Kesar milk or saffron milk for skin.

7. Benefits of Saffron during pregnancy

There are many benefits of saffron during pregnancy. Anti-spasmodic properties of saffron are also thought to lessen the severity of cramps and lower the chance of miscarriage. It has been discovered that saffron improves digestion, which helps reduce digestive problems associated with pregnancy, like bloating and constipation.

Benefits of Drinking Saffron water

Saffron has been used for thousands of years in several ancient societies due to its therapeutic properties. The taste and shade of these little strands have made them generally utilized in culinary expressions. Aside from that, saffron is used in traditional medicines and home treatments due to its strong health advantages. You can add saffron threads to water to cure a range of conditions, such as immune system stimulation and mental health problems. Here are a few benefits of drinking saffron water & including it in your daily regimen.

  1. Works as an antidepressant​

Saffron water’s antioxidants aid in brain tissue regeneration and healing. Several studies suggest that saffron may have antidepressant properties that boost mood and strengthen the brain. It might help alleviate symptoms of sadness and anxiety in some cases.

  1. Skin Brightening

Saffron contains Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which aids in skin tone brightness. It stifles the protein tyrosinase, diminishing melanin development, and goes about as a strong cell reinforcement, killing free extremists that can invigorate melanin creation. These outcomes in a more brilliant radiant skin glow. Hence incorporating saffron water in your daily diet is advisable for skin brightening.

Conclusion

Adding saffron to your daily routine can be a simple but effective way to improve your overall health and well-being due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Try taking saffron with milk. The developing collection of examination exhibits saffron’s promising advantages to help forestall and at times even treat different age-related infections. With such an excessive cost tag, it’s lucky that a tiny amount makes an enormous difference!

By Dr. Aarti Nehra

Dr. Aarti Nehra is an M.B.B.S graduate and pursued Masters of Medical Science and Technology from IIT Kharagpur. She has worked as a consultant to provide services across the medical device and pharmaceutical industry. A cross-domain expert with experience in clinical practice, clinical marketing, competitive intelligence, market strategy and analysis, statistical analysis, scientific/medical writing, and medical research.