9 Saffron Health Benefits You Shouldn’t Miss

• Written by Mudit Handa

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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In Indian culture, saffron has always been associated with courage, vitality, and passion. Since ancient times, it has been consumed as a spice, medicine, and essential ingredient in Indian cuisine. Also known as Kesar and Zafraan, saffron has been eulogised as a boon for the human body due to its therapeutic and healing qualities. In medieval times, Indian soldiers would dye their clothes in saffron before going into a battle, believing this would give them more courage.

In most Indian foods and desserts, the stamen or stigma of the saffron flower is added for its rich red colour and aroma. However, the modern youth is unaware of saffron's advantages and nutritional benefits. This article will guide you about the benefits of Kesar or saffron for overall well-being. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

9 Amazing Saffron Health Benefits for Overall Well-Being

Our ancient science, Ayurveda, regards saffron as anti-Tridoshic. This means that saffron balances all three doshas of the body—Vaat, Pitt, and Kaph. Besides, it helps to assimilate nutrients, form dhatu (tissue), and flush toxins out of the body's tissues. Here are nine excellent benefits of Kesar (saffron) for your overall well-being:

• Keeps your youthfulness intact: Saffron is infused with powerful anti-oxidants that neutralise harmful free radicals and prevent damage to body tissues. Besides, it improves your sexual health by fighting oxidative stress and increasing your vitality.
• Fights depression: Saffron acts as a powerful relaxant and can relieve chronic depression and anxiety by regulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Moreover, it helps to lower your blood pressure.
• Boosts memory: Due to the sufficient quantity of anti-oxidants, saffron lowers oxidative stress and enhances cognitive function. Hence, it is a powerful tonic for your memory. Besides, saffron health benefits may help fight Alzheimer's disease, as per recent studies.
• Promotes healthy heart: Saffron helps promote good cholesterol HDL and lower bad cholesterol LDL, thereby regulating blood pressure and protecting heart health.
• Improves eyesight: In 2009, joint research by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science and the University of L’Aquila, Italy, revealed that certain compounds in saffron can cure various eyesight problems, such as night blindness, health, and vision. Besides, saffron can benefit in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMRD).
• Helps Fight Cancer: Recent research by the Department of Chemistry, DAV(PG) College, Kanpur, has revealed that three bioactive components of saffron—crocin, crocetin, and safranal—possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-preventive properties.
• Helps Lose Weight: Traditionally, saffron has been added to various dishes and desserts because it manages appetite and facilitates weight reduction.
• Relieve PMS Symptoms: It has been clinically proven that saffron helps relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The specific curative properties of saffron help regulate serotonin levels, which alleviate mood swings and menstrual cramps.
• Rejuvenates Skin: Saffron's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect your skin from harmful free radicals. Gradually, it improves skin complexion and reduces signs of ageing, adding a youthful glow to your skin.

How Does Saffron Benefit Men?

Saffron benefits for men include improving sexual health. Due to its powerful aphrodisiac properties and anti-oxidants, it helps in treating oxidative stress, which is the leading cause behind various sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, poor sperm quality, and even azoospermia. Let’s know a bit more:

• Reduces Oxidative Stress: Saffron revives your lost charm with its powerful antioxidant properties. It protects sperm from oxidative damage, which enhances sperm motility and improves your fertility.
• Cures Erectile Dysfunction: Saffron has been traditionally consumed by royals to enhance their sexual desire. It may help improve erectile dysfunction by regulating blood circulation and relaxing the blood vessels.
• Lifts your Mood: Through its antidepressant properties, saffron effectively cures stress and anxiety, which are the leading causes of decreased sexual health that negatively impact the overall well-being of men.
• Increases Libido: Saffron also helps boost libido and sexual desire in males. Its aphrodisiac properties have been recognised for centuries and may be attributed to its effects on hormones and neurotransmitters.
• Enhanced Sperm Quality: Some research indicates that saffron may improve sperm quality, including sperm count, motility, and morphology, which can benefit men with fertility issues.

What are the Saffron Benefits for Females?

Saffron has several potential health benefits for men and women alike. While it boosts male fertility, it benefits women’s health in their crucial years by alleviating the following issues:

• Relieving PMS Symptoms: Saffron is a remedy against premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women. The antidepressant qualities of saffron can help fight PMS symptoms like mood swings and cramps.
• Skin Health: The antioxidants in saffron may also benefit skin health, providing a healthy glow and reducing signs of ageing in women.

Note: Pregnant women should avoid excessive consumption of saffron, as it could lead to miscarriage.

What are the Advantages of Saffron Milk?

In Indian tradition, drinking saffron milk is essential for physical and mental well-being. Hence, consuming saffron milk was very common in the royal households. Here are the key advantages of saffron milk:

• Enhances Mood and Relieves Stress: Since saffron naturally lifts mood and cures anxiety, drinking saffron milk may alleviate depression and relax your mind.
• Improves Sleep: The calming properties of saffron may also contribute to better sleep quality.
• Enhances Youth: Saffron is rich in antioxidants, which prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
• Skin Health: The antioxidants in saffron may also benefit skin health, promoting a healthy complexion and reducing signs of ageing.
• Potential PMS Relief: Some studies suggest that saffron may help alleviate PMS symptoms, such as mood swings and cramps.

However, drinking saffron milk in moderation is ideal, as overconsumption can lead to some side effects.

>> Also Read: How Can UV Rays Cause Skin Cancer? Symptoms and Treatment

What are the Possible Saffron Side Effects?

While saffron is generally safe for most people, it also has side effects if consumed in large amounts. Some potential side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Changes in appetite
• Allergic reactions

With that, you are now familiar with the saffron health benefits for promoting good health. However, even by consuming superfoods like saffron, you may be unable to predict a medical emergency. Hence, you should plan your healthcare expenses with advanced medical coverage.

Safeguard Your Savings with Comprehensive Health Coverage

Investing your funds in a comprehensive health insurance plan can prevent you from draining your hard-earned money during unforeseen medical emergencies. To reap the most benefits of health insurance, now is the time to buy it. Pre-existing conditions and associated waiting periods can make it challenging for you to get affordable coverage immediately. Hence, planning early and buying from a reputed brand that ensures timely and sufficient coverage is recommended.

Disclaimer: It is essential to verify the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.