Health Benefits of Saffron, the World's Most Expensive Spices

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Saffron is a type of spice that is harvested from the Crocus Flower. Saffron has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.

Jakarta: Saffron is a type of spice that is harvested from the Crocus Flower. Saffron has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, particularly in the Middle East and Greece.

Modern research supports saffron’s health benefits for a variety of conditions. Ranging from inflammation to depression. Apart from its health benefits, saffron can be used in coloring, fragrance, and in cooking.

“Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, this is due to the high difficulty harvesting it,” says Christine Bishara, MD, founder of From Within Medical, an integrative medical health practice in New York.

Following are the health benefits as reported Insider:

1. Improve mood and fight depression

“Saffron is best known and most studied for its positive effects on mood,” Deshko said.

In fact, several studies have shown that saffron can help prevent depression. A 2019 medical review found that saffron had a significant effect in reducing the severity of depression.

2. Reduces inflammation and is antioxidant

Antioxidants help reduce and prevent cell damage and lower the risk of certain diseases. In the case of saffron, its antioxidant properties help it reduce inflammation, a condition linked to a number of ailments.

“Saffron has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help treat conditions like heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. These chemicals can help protect the body against many diseases, Bishara said.

3. Affect sexual and reproductive health

Treating sexual dysfunction is one of the uses of saffron since time immemorial. And several studies have shown that saffron can improve sexual and reproductive health.

A small 2009 study found that taking 200 mg of saffron a day can increase the number and duration of erections in men, with erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

In general, it’s safe to include saffron in a wide variety of foods you eat. Boil a few strands of saffron in warm water to make a tea and mix in honey for a hint of sweetness. Saffron can also be added to rice, eggs, seafood, and chicken.

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