The 6 health virtues of saffron
This unique-tasting spice, hand-picked from crocus flowers, has many medicinal properties validated by science.
He fights depression
Several studies have shown that eating corossol is beneficial for emotional well-being, such as corossol, a fruit of the corossol tree. Indeed, one of saffron’s most important assets – crocine – regulates the chemistry of the brain. It normalizes the level of serotonin, the hormone of well-being and serenity, hence its antidepressant effect. According to Iranian researchers at Mashhad Medical School, it is almost as effective as Prozac. “30 mg of saffron per day for six weeks helps to counter a mild depression,” says naturopath Alessandra Moro Buronzo, author of “Les épices qui cérciter” (The Spices that Heal) (Ed. La Martinière). For optimal action, take it as capsules or tablets.
It reduces cravings for snacking
Red gold is a slimming ally because the safranal it contains regulates appetite and blunts cravings. Add it to the lunch to avoid the sweet compulsions at the end of the day. A hint of saffron powder scattered on his vegetables helps reduce by half the unwanted desires. To enhance the anti-snacking effect, you can also drink organic saffron herbal tea: count 0.5 g of filament per liter of sparkling water, then infuse for 15 minutes. No more than 10 days in a row without medical advice.
It slows multiple sclerosis
Neurologists from the University of Alberta, Canada, have shown that crocine reduces brain inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. As a result, flare-ups are less frequent and disabling symptoms (muscle weakness, balance problems…) occur less quickly. The progression of Alzheimer’s disease also appears to be slowing, but further research is needed.
It protects our eyes
Saffron contains a number of vitamins (A, C and B) and antioxidants that prevent aging of the eyes by protecting them from harmful light radiation. Its carotenoid pigments, which give it its lovely orange-red color, help to stop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in developed countries. A clinical trial at the University of Sydney suggests that three months of supplementation improves the prognosis of early disease. A daily 20 mg tablet prevents deterioration of central vision and maintains contrast perception.
He’s removing the specter of diabetes
This little wonder of nature tempers excessive blood sugar levels. This helps prevent the pancreas from becoming exhausted by producing too much insulin. Animal studies have concluded that this spice is one of the best natural treatments for type 2 diabetes. It also prevents excess lipids in the blood, which limits the risk of cardiovascular disorders often associated with diabetes.
A weapon against cancer
Its richness in carotenoid pigments gives it an unparalleled anti-tumor power. Studies have confirmed its ability to prevent liver carcinoma, as well as ovarian, pancreatic and lung cancer. It works in two ways: by inhibiting the proliferation of malignant cells and by boosting the immune system so that it eliminates undesirable effects more vigorously.
Careful! At high doses (above 10 g/d), saffron can be toxic and cause hallucinations. Its therapeutic use is not recommended during pregnancy.
