Health Benefits:
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a beautiful herb that has medicinal and nutritional qualities. Saffron is used to help improve moods, anti-inflammatory, improves sleep, and compliments many recipes. Saffron has been used in Iranian medical books for many years. Saffron has cultural significance in Central Asia, Europe, India, Turkey, and China (Zeinali et al., 2019). The dried stigmas of Saffron have immunoregulatory properties that affect immune responses in the body (Zeinali et al., 2019). Liu, and others, (2015) discuss saffron as a treatment option for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and insomnia. One study showed that saffron was just as effective as Prozac in diminishing depressive symptoms without the many side effects of Prozac (Lopresti & Drummond, 2014).
Ways to Enjoy Saffron in Your Diet:
Saffron is known as the world’s most expensive spice. High quality saffron has a deep red color with orange tips. Saffron can compliment many dishes by steeping the strands in a pot of rice, vegetable dishes, and more. Saffron, ginger, and honey create an extremely healthy tea that tastes great and is refreshing to drink. Saffron is also used in cakes and other baked goods. Take some time to research great new recipes to add saffron to your diet today!
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References:
Liu, L., Liu, C., Wang, Y., Wang, P., Li, Y., & Li, B. (2015). Herbal medicine for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Current Neuropharmacology, 13(4), 481-493. doi:10.2174/1570159×1304150831122734
Lopresti, A. L., & Drummond, P. D. (2014). Saffron ( ) for depression: A systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Human Psychopharmacology, 29(6), 517-527. doi:10.1002/hup.2434
Zeinali, M., Zirak, M. R., Rezaee, S. A., Karimi, G., & Hosseinzadeh, H. (2019). Immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of crocus sativus (saffron) and its main active constituents: A review. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 22(4), 334-344. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2019.34365.8158
