Saffron is a spice that comes from the stigmas of the saffron flower (Crocus sativus). It’s known for its vibrant red color, strong soothing aroma, and unique flavor. Saffron is consumed in the form of tea, and supplements, and it is used in various cuisines. Saffron is used for its therapeutic effects worldwide. We will be discussing the health benefits of saffron tea. Keep reading to learn more.
Health Benefits of Saffron Tea
Here are some of its benefits:
Benefits for Skin
The benefits of saffron tea for the skin are mainly due to its antioxidant properties. It contains Crocin and Safranal which offer both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Inflammation causes skin problems like blisters, itching, and redness. So, if you have these problems, try taking saffron tea every day and you will see a noticeable difference in your skin as it improves skin texture as well.
Antioxidants fight free radicals that are responsible for the premature occurrence of wrinkles on our skin. Adding this tea to your diet increases antioxidant activity in your body which not only makes your skin look healthy but also protects you against diseases.
Saffron tea also has a good vitamin C profile, that brightens up your skin. It has been shown to decrease melanin production, so it is effective in treating hyperpigmentation.
Skin is the largest organ of our body, it needs nourishment from inside and out to look its best with that youthful and glowy look. This is why saffron serums are also applied to the skin for additional benefits like protection from UV rays from the sun. You can check out saffron serum here.
Benefits for Eyes
Saffron is packed with antioxidants, including crocin and crocetin which fight harmful free radicals that can damage eye cells. Some studies suggest that saffron can sharpen your sight and protect eye cells from light-induced damage.
Saffron has been shown to reduce Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) which is the main cause of blindness in older people in the USA. In a study, 54 people with dry ARMD were given 50mg of saffron for 3 months. They showed a significant improvement in contrast sensitivity and seeing distant objects clearly.
Consuming saffron tea is also one great way to intake carotenoids, like Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These components are found in the eye lens, retina, and macula. They protect the blue light from damaging eye tissues. It is literally all around us in the form of our gadgets and big screens wherever we go, so now we are even more exposed to eye-damaging lights. By taking these carotenoids, you can protect your eyes from damage and keep your vision alive for life.
You can either add saffron tea to your daily routine or check out these saffron supplements for improved vision.
Saffron Tea Aids in Weight Loss
Consuming saffron tea for weight loss is a smart idea if you want to shed those stubborn extra pounds. Saffron suppresses hunger. This means you won’t crave snaking. It also enhances your metabolism, which leads to burning calories fast. A fast metabolism is the reason why some people eat whatever they want without gaining a single pound.
Saffron has shown to reduce waist size and body fat. It also improves good cholesterol in your body (HDL) and reduces triglycerides which are responsible for various health conditions like heart attack, liver diseases, and stroke.
Enhances Your Mood
Having a bad mood not only affects you but also the people in your surroundings. It demotivates you and negatively impacts your productivity. On the other hand, feeling happy keeps you energetic and motivated. Gladly, you can experience an uplifted mood by consuming saffron tea regularly. It is a non-pharmaceutical way to relieve stress, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve mood.
A study shows consuming saffron tea reduces depression and improves resistance to stress within 8 weeks. Saffron has also been shown to improve the feel-good hormone, dopamine levels in the brain.
Saffron Extract is also beneficial in reducing ADHD symptoms. You can read in detail here.
Improves Digestion
Saffron has been shown to improve digestive health as it protects the inner lining of the stomach from damage. It prevents colon and stomach cancer. Studies have found it to be effective against chronic diseases, such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD).
Good for Your Heart Health
Saffron tea keeps cholesterol levels healthy and lowers bad cholesterol in your body. Its anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to having good heart health, as chronic inflammation leads to heart diseases. These properties reduce the chances of getting a heart attack.
Saffron’s antioxidant properties maintain healthy blood vessels, making it good for your cardiovascular system. In Mediterranean countries, saffron is commonly used, and the heart disease ratio in the people there is significantly lower compared to other regions of the world. This is why it is considered as a natural supplement to keep your heart healthy.
Effective in Cancer Prevention
Studies have shown saffron to be effective against certain types of cancer, including leukemia, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Its key component, corcin stops the growth of tumors and protects DNA against damage caused by chemotherapy.
Saffron prevents DNA mutations that lead to cancer gene activation. Many studies have shown that saffron not only slows down cancer but also reverses it.
Chemotherapy causes DNA damage that lead may to new types of cancer. Saffron’s rich carotenoid profile protects cells from the harms of chemo drugs.
A study shows consuming saffron prevents cancer in mice despite having carcinogens in the body. We are exposed to carcinogens in the form of beauty products, pollution, and diet, so we must shield ourselves against cancer by consuming such active compounds. Saffron has been shown to prevent liver cancer and suppress tumors in the liver.
So, in summary, saffron stops cancer formation, reverses it, and prevents it. It also helps with protection against chemotherapy’s side effects.
Offers a Rich Antioxidant Profile
Let’s revise about free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive atoms. They need an extra electron so they capture it from the stable structure of our body, like macromolecules, DNA, and collagen. This is how they damage healthy cells. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and prevent cell damage.
Saffron has a rich antioxidant profile. It contains three major antioxidants, crocetin, crocin, and safranal, that improve cognitive function. Other major antioxidants include picrocrocin and kaempferol.
Here are some benefits you can get by regularly consuming an antioxidant-rich saffron tea:
- Improved memory
- Enhanced mood
- Protection against cancer
- Protection against heart diseases
- Prevention from premature aging
- A youthful skin
- A healthier immune system
Reduces Inflammation
Saffron supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation. Saffron possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a response to injuries but if it happens without any cause, it leads to various health problems such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and even cancer.
You can consume anti-inflammatory compounds in the form of saffron tea or its supplements. This will help you lower your blood pressure, improve cognitive functions, and prevent many likely diseases.
Improves Sleep Quality
Saffron helps with sleeping peacefully and relaxation. Saffron tea has a soothing aroma and it helps with enhancing sleep quality and reducing insomnia. It boosts sleep hormones and diminishes the effects of molecules that impact your sleep quality.
Improve Your Overall Health
Saffron tea is a non-pharmaceutical way to reverse lethal diseases such as cancer and prevent them from occurring. It positively impacts your overall health from reducing stress and anxiety to improving your physical well-being.
How to Make Saffron Tea?
Making saffron tea is simple and easy. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 pinches of saffron
- A tablespoon of brown sugar (You can add honey or skip sugar at all)
- Mint leaves for a refreshing flavor
- 2 to three thin slices of lemon for additional antioxidant properties and flavor
- 1 and a half cups of water
Recipe:
- Boil water in a saucepan
- Add all these ingredients
- Let the tea simmer for 7 minutes
- Strain it and enjoy!
Saffron Tea Side Effects
While saffron is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, it can cause some side effects, especially when taken in high doses or for extended periods.
Common side effects include:
- Interactions with medications: Saffron may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners and blood pressure medications.
- Bipolar disorder: Saffron may trigger mood swings in people with bipolar disorder.
- Digestive issues: It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some people.
- Other: Headache, dry mouth, sleepiness, and allergic reactions.
Where to Buy Saffron?
Look for reputed sources to buy saffron. You can find it in the grocery stores. You can buy saffron online here.
Takeaway
Saffron offers a number of health benefits from preventing cancers to making your skin look youthful and your vision strong. You can consume it in the form of tea which offers a soothing aroma and a number of health benefits. Saffron tea’s rich anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles make it beneficial for keeping your health well, memory sharp, and immune system strong.
Add this tea to your diet to feel healthy.
FAQs
You can drink saffron tea daily for up to 26 weeks but keep the amount of saffron up to 1.5g a day. If you want to play it safe, try consuming this tea 3 days a week.
