Saffron: An Ancient Spice With Surprising Effects on the Brain, Heart, Blood Glucose and More

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Along with providing information on whether Saffron supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Saffron is known as a supplement that can improve mood, reduce inflammation, and even support weight loss. They offer a convenient way to get the perks of saffron without having to cook elaborate meals. This article goes into how saffron works for you and the science behind the health claims. If you decide saffron supplements are right for you, this article will show you the best place to buy saffron supplements online.

What Is Saffron?

Saffron is a highly prized and expensive spice derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Each flower has three thread-like red-orange stigmas, which are handpicked, dried, and used as a seasoning and coloring agent in various cuisines worldwide. The spice is usually produced in countries like Iran, India, Spain, and Greece.

Saffron is known for its unique aroma, subtle flavor, and vibrant color. It has been used for centuries in dishes like paella, risotto, and various Middle Eastern and South Asian recipes. Additionally, saffron has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, which are attributed to compounds like crocin, crocetin, and safranal. These compounds are believed to have antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others.

Due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting saffron and the large number of flowers required to produce a small amount of the spice, saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world.

What are the Health Benefits of Saffron?

Saffron has been associated with various health benefits. As always, more research is needed to fully understand and substantiate all these effects, but studies have reported that these health benefits include:

• Antidepressant effects: Some studies suggest that saffron may have antidepressant properties and could potentially help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. [PMID: 25384672]
• ADHD: Studies in children ages 7-17 years old showed that saffron was as effective as methylphenidate (Ritalin). [PMC9573091], [PMID: 30741567]
• Memory and cognitive function: Some research suggests that saffron may have a positive impact on memory and cognitive function, potentially benefiting individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of cognitive decline as much as prescription medication. [PMC7650148]
• Heart health: Saffron may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and possessing anti-atherosclerotic effects. Researchers stated, “That seems saffron could effectively improve TG, TC, LDL, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, SBP, CRP, TNF-α, WC, MDA, TAC, and ALT.” [PMC9774508]
• Improved blood sugar: In people with prediabetes, saffron supplements improved glycemic control. [PMID: 31677703]
• Eye health: Saffron has been associated with potential benefits for eye health, such as protecting against age-related macular degeneration and improving retinal function. [PMC6471055]
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Saffron may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
• Aphrodisiac properties: Saffron has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, and some research suggests it may help improve sexual function and libido in both men and women. [PMC6727438]
• Menstrual relief: Saffron may help alleviate menstrual symptoms, such as cramping and discomfort, due to its potential antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. [PMC4599112]
• Antioxidant properties: Saffron contains compounds like crocin, crocetin, and safranal, which have antioxidant effects that may help protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals. [PMID: 33356506]

Is Saffron Safe?

Saffron supplements are safe for most people when taken in appropriate doses. Saffron can lead to mild side effects for some people. Common complaints include dry mouth, dizziness, and headaches. Some people might also experience nausea or stomach issues when they first start taking saffron supplements. Usually, these effects are not severe and tend to go away as the body adjusts.

Medication Interactions with Saffron

• Antidepressants: (Moderate interaction) Saffron may have antidepressant effects, which could increase the risk of side effects when taken with other antidepressant medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
• Blood pressure medications: (Moderate interaction) Saffron may lower blood pressure, which could potentially amplify the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications, leading to excessively low blood pressure or dizziness.
• Blood-thinning medications: (Moderate interaction) Saffron may have blood-thinning properties, which could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications like warfarin, heparin, or aspirin.
• Blood sugar medications: (Moderate interaction) Saffron may lower blood sugar levels, which could potentially enhance the effects of medications used to manage diabetes, leading to an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
• Lithium: (Moderate interaction) Saffron may have diuretic properties, which could affect lithium levels in the body. Taking saffron with lithium might increase the risk of lithium side effects.

Supplement Interactions with Saffron

Saffron may interact with certain nutritional supplements, although comprehensive information on such interactions is limited. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using saffron alongside any supplement. Some possible interactions include:

• St. John’s Wort: Both St. John’s Wort and saffron may have antidepressant effects, which could increase the risk of side effects when taken together.
• Ginseng: Ginseng may affect blood sugar levels, which could potentially enhance the effects of saffron on blood sugar regulation, leading to an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
• Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, ginger, or other supplements with blood-thinning effects: Supplements with blood-thinning properties could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with saffron, as saffron may also have blood-thinning properties.

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Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary

Your health is on the line. Health professionals know that many other online and retail options set a very low bar for quality–sometimes amazingly low. The Fullscript formulary is the most secure online source for the highest quality brands securely sourced to assure freshness and purity. Here’s what makes Fullscript the best:

• Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to continuously monitor the quality of each item on the platform. Other retailers operate with profit as their highest or only motive when choosing brands. Fullscript cares only about quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores, large online marketplaces, and other retailers you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable locations or companies.
• Free shipping over $50 and best prices when you order through Supplement Sciences.
• Freshness. Fullscript prioritizes freshness over bulk buying even if it means an increased risk of briefly being out of stock.
• Top quality phone and online support. When you call, knowledgeable humans at Fullscript answer your questions.
• How It Works:
  • Easy Sign-up & No Spam Email: Click the “View Product” button below to be taken to Fullscript’s login page where you can quickly create your secure account with just your name, email, and phone number. Then you will be taken directly to the product page.
  • Wide variety of supplement options: Once you sign in to your account, you are not limited to the products listed below. You will see similar items listed at the bottom of each product page on Fullscript.
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Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

What To Eat

To Sum It Up

Saffron supplements offer various health benefits that are backed by science. From improving mood and reducing inflammation to supporting weight loss, these supplements have shown promise in multiple research studies. While they are generally considered safe, it’s essential to note that quality can vary between brands. We hope that with these insights, you can feel equipped to make an informed choice about incorporating saffron supplements into your wellness routine.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.