Among the properties of saffron, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects stand out. This yellow spice is derived from the dried stigmas of the saffron flower, whose cultivation dates back over 3,000 years.
In addition to vanilla and cardamom, it is one of the most expensive spices in the world. It is famous for its aroma and golden yellow color.
Saffron Active Ingredients
Saffron is a perennial bulbous plant, which contains over 300 volatile and non-volatile components, including:
- Safranal
- Crostin
- Crocinas
- Picrocrocin
- Glycosides
- Monoterpenes
- Aldehydes
- Carotenoids
- Flavonoids
- Anthocyanins
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Proteins
- Amino Acids
- Carbohydrates
- Zeaxanthin
- Lycopene
- Alpha and Eta Carotene, D
Benefits and Properties of Saffron
The cultivation of this valuable spice is distributed from the Mediterranean region to Europe and Asia. This spice has been used since antiquity as a flavoring agent, as a dye and also in the treatment and prevention of various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases.
Antioxidant Activity
Saffron stigmas showed great activity as an antioxidant. Carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins are mainly responsible for this antioxidant activity. Other ingredients such as crocin and crocetin have high free radical scavenging activity.
The human body oxidizes itself daily through breathing, free radicals are produced every day and antioxidants help our immune system against damage caused by free radicals.
Radicals are molecules that are missing an electron, are unstable and always seek to steal electrons from other molecules that surround them. If successful, they create another free radical leaving another molecule without an electron and a chain effect is created.
Anti Inflammatory Activity
Antioxidant capacity is associated with anti-inflammatory effects. When this inflammation is chronic, it plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Oxidative stress is associated with inflammation. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects appear to be due to crocetin and crocin.
Reducing Menstrual Symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome includes a group of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before the onset of menstruation. Studies have shown that saffron can help improve these symptoms.
Reduce Appetite
Saffron has shown appetite-reducing properties. In an eight-week study, women who took a saffron supplement felt fuller and ate less often than those in the placebo group.
And it Improves the Mood
Saffron flowers and stigmas can help improve mood in cases of mild to moderate depression. Several clinical studies have shown that saffron can be as effective as fluoxetine or imipramine. Conventional treatments for depression.