5 Health Benefits of Using Saffron Powder

Saffron, commonly known as the “Sun Spice” has been used for centuries. Although in the past few decades saffron has become increasingly popular for its multitude of medicinal benefits with accumulating scientific research studies confirming the abundance of health-promoting compounds within this miraculous spice.

How to Use Saffron Powder

Saffron powder is actually pretty easy to use. However, what you have to watch out is the amount you use since a pinch of saffron – believe it or not – actually goes a long way. Saffron powder is very potent so professional cooks even use only a tiny bit for their dishes and beverages. It can be infused in cocktails and tea for a beautiful aroma and sophisticated taste. Saffron powder would make a great addition to dry rubs for pork and lamb as well. Saffron also gives that golden colour to your Middle Eastern rice dishes.

Health Benefits of Using Saffron Powder

As expensive as it is, saffron not only makes up for it with aroma and taste but also its range of health benefits. Here are some benefits that come with using premium saffron powder to name a few:

1- Powerful Immune Booster

The compounds in saffron such as crocin, crocetin, safranal and kaempferol are antioxidants, meaning they work to reverse and protect the cell from oxidative damage. 

2- Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Crocin is a dark red-orange, water soluble compound found in saffron that has been found to trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in many types of human cancer cells. Both animal models and cultured human cell studies have supplied an abundance of evidence of the anti-tumor, anti-carcinogenic properties of saffron and its constituents, demonstrating the chemopreventive effects of saffron in cancers such as leukemia, ovarian carcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, lung cancer and others

3-May Enhance Mood and Treat Depressive Symptoms

You may not know this but saffron is sometimes called the “sunshine spice”. Aside from its distinct and bright pigment, the reason it got this nickname is because of its antidepressant properties. Studies have found that saffron is effective in alleviating symptoms of depression.

4- Reduces appetite and helps in weight loss

Saffron has proven effective in curbing appetite and aids in weight loss. One of the main causes of unwanted weight gain is through constant snacking. Saffron helps by reducing your appetite which lessens your food intake and ultimately helps in weight loss.