Saffron has been used for thousands of years for delicious seasonings, coloring, healing, and health benefits. Saffron is believed to have originated in Asia (although this is up for debate), but can now be found throughout the Mediterranean, India, and Iran.

Saffron originates from a purple flower called Crocus Sativus, commonly known as “Saffron Crocus.” Saffron is often referred to as “Red Gold.” It is known to be among the most expensive seasonings on the planet, and knowing that explains why one of my favorite dishes, "Paella," is so expensive!

Its costliness is due to its harvesting. A very small amount of a Crocus Sativus flower is used. It takes 75,000 flowers to make one pound of saffron spice, all of which are harvested manually.

Anyone else getting Dune vibes?

While I have not yet bought any saffron personally, I am told it varies in price from $500 to $5,000/pound (just in case you were wondering why I have not bought it myself!).

However, after doing my research on saffron, I’m about to add it to my lifestyle, and I suggest you consider it too!

While saffron is expensive, the health benefits are many. The Saffron Flowers, like a great many herbs and plants, are loaded with antioxidants. As you already know, antioxidants work hard at preventing cellular damage that can lead to brain and nervous system damage, as well as cancer and inflammation.

Fortunately, most of the studies reported below used 10-30 mg daily doses and did not recommend amounts higher than 100 mg/day (and even at that high dose, for a very limited time to avoid side effects).

Though most of the studies we have seen to date are relatively small, there is growing evidence that three of the antioxidants in saffron—crocetin, crocin, and safranal—may have a positive impact on cognition, including learning ability and memory.

There is also evidence that saffron may prevent neurological disorders and brain damage like Parkinson's Disease and more. Other active ingredients include picrocrocin along with 150 other volatile compounds, biochemicals, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals.

Once again, saffron is biologically complete, and if you take a supplement, it may not be biologically complete.

Related to brain health, some studies have shown that saffron can be effective at treating and preventing depression. Other studies have shown that it may even be effective at slowing the progression of and treating Alzheimer's disease. More research is being done on this, but if this is a concern for you because of family members who have or have died of this disease, it is something to consider.

In some depression studies, saffron showed similar results as taking Prozac or Celexa, also something you need to consider if depression is a concern for you or your loved ones.

In some studies, saffron was used as a treatment for Seizure Disorders, acting to shorten the duration and severity of some varieties of seizures.

Some research showed that saffron has been effective at treating women with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), reducing incidents of anxiety, cravings, depression, headaches, irritability, mood swings, pain, and overall PMS-related mental health issues.

There is also at least some preliminary research showing that saffron worked as an appetite suppressant, helping the women in the study feel "less hungry," which also helped prevent them from snacking more often.

Along with all these other wonderful health benefits, saffron was shown to be an aid in helping men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) issues. 30mg/day was shown to be effective at helping men with ED, but don't exceed this level as excessive amounts of saffron can be toxic.

There was evidence presented from animal studies that saffron was used to prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases and disorders, including lowering cholesterol levels, preventing clogged arteries, lowering blood sugar levels, and improving insulin sensitivity, much of which is the early cause of type 2 diabetes.

Saffron has also been shown to be effective as a treatment for eye health, including diabetic maculopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), all of which can be precursors for blindness around the world.

While saffron has been used effectively to: reduce bleeding problems, prevent cancer, improve cardiovascular health, improve cardiorespiratory health, improve circulation, manage diabetes, enhance digestive health, strengthen the immune system, reduce/eliminate pain and discomfort, improve sleep, and strengthen bone structure... YOU still MUST consult your doctor before taking saffron supplements!

Your doctor will be aware of possible contraindications of taking saffron supplements with your medications including blood thinners, mood medications, and sleep-aid medications.

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