Saffron is a spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower, specifically its red stigmas, known for its distinctive flavor, aroma, and vibrant golden-yellow color, making it a highly prized and expensive ingredient.
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, with 1 pound (450 grams) costing between $500 and $5,000. The reason for its high price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, which makes its production costly.
Health Benefits
Antioxidants
Saffron contains the following compounds:
- safranal
- crocin
- kaempferol
- crocetin
The most notable of which is crocin which is the strongest of the antioxidant compounds in saffron. It’s responsible for saffron’s red color, and research suggests it may have antidepressant properties and could protect brain cells against progressive damage.
Research has found that safranal may harbor beneficial properties for several conditions including inflammation, hypertension, asthma and depression.
Additionally, kaempferol is found in the flower petals and has been found to be a very strong immune supportive compound and can help protect against several viruses like hepatitis, influenza and even HIV.
General Mood and Depression
A 2019 review found that saffron was significantly more effective than placebos at treating symptoms of mild to moderate depression. (1)
Similarly, other studies found that saffron was just as effective as fluoxetine, imipramine, and citalopram — conventional treatments for depression. Additionally, fewer people experienced side effects from saffron than from other treatments. (2)
Can Help Fight Cancer
Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases. A study done in 2020 found that saffron and its compounds have been shown to selectively kill cancer cells or suppress tumor growth while leaving healthy cells unharmed. (3)
Helps with PMS Symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a term that describes physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms occurring before the start of a menstrual period. It was found in a study done in 2024 that saffron may positively affect multiple parts of the female reproductive system, which could provide relief from PMS symptoms. (4)
Assist with Appetite and Weight Loss
Who doesn’t want something that can help with managing weight and preventing you from being quite so hungry. Well go figure that saffron manages to check that box as well! Research done in 2017 found that taking a saffron extract supplement for 8 weeks helped reduce appetite, body mass index, waist circumference, and total fat mass. (5)
In 2023 it was found that taking 60 mg of saffron per day for 12 weeks was significantly more beneficial than a placebo in reducing body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and weight. Researchers also found that saffron helped improve HDL (good) cholesterol and lower triglyceride levels. (6)
Summary
So as it stands saffron is a relatively revolutionary herb that happens to be extremely beneficial in a wide array of aspects. In fact we didn’t even cover all the possibilities of saffron but we will post them in the Health Benefits section at the top. Saffron in fact would be our best friend if it wasn’t so dang expensive </3