Geyah Saffron (Crocus Sativus)

Geyah WAQF is providing finest quality Saffron from Afghanistan. Exporting worldwide. Our Saffron for export is lab tested. We are looking for long term growth, business and success. The purpose of this project is to feed hungry children across the planet.

By Medical News Today What are the health benefits of saffron? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C — Written by Jon Johnson on November 15, 2019 About Benefits Side effects How to use it Summary Here’s our process. Saffron is a spice with a strong fragrance and distinctive color. The spice is also rich in antioxidants, which may have many health benefits. Early evidence suggests that saffron may boost mood, increase libido, and fight oxidative stress. Saffron is generally safe for most people to consume, and it is very simple to add it to the diet. In this article, learn more about the possible health benefits of saffron. What is saffron? The antioxidants in saffron may help fight against oxidative stress. Saffron is a spice from the Crocus sativus flower, which is a cousin of the lily. The saffron derives from the stigma and styles — called threads — within the flower itself. Saffron is very expensive due to the difficulty of harvesting it. Farmers must harvest the delicate threads from each flower by hand. They then heat and cure the threads to bring out the flavor of the saffron. This extra labor makes saffron one of the most expensive spices in the world. Benefits The benefits of saffron may include: Providing antioxidants The majority of the health claims surrounding saffron relate to its high levels of specific antioxidants. According to a 2015 reviewTrusted Source, the main active antioxidants include: crocin picrocrocin safranal Other compounds include kaempferol and crocetin. These antioxidants help fight against oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. As oxidative stress and free radicals play a role in the development of many health conditions, including cancer and heart disease, antioxidants such as these may help protect a person’s health. Preventing nervous system disorders The antioxidants in saffron may play a role in protecting the body from disorders affecting the nervous system. Research from 2015Trusted Source notes that compounds in saffron, such as crocin, appear to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain, which may lead to beneficial effects. A study in the journal AntioxidantsTrusted Source noted that saffron might theoretically help with Alzheimer’s symptoms due to both its memory-enhancing properties and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. People with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s who took saffron for 22 weeks had cognitive improvements that were comparable with those of people who took the drug donepezil, and they also experienced fewer side effects. While this is early evidence to support the medicinal use of saffron, researchers suggested that future clinical trials could help back up these claims. Boosting mood There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve mood and be a useful addition to treatment for depression. A study in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science found that a saffron extract increased dopamine levels in the brain without changing the levels of other brain hormones, such as serotonin. Other researchTrusted Source suggests that taking 30 milligrams (mg) of saffron each day could cause similar effects as drugs that treat mild-to-moderate depression, such as imipramine and fluoxetine. Although some people recommend using saffron as a complementary therapy for improving mood, it is too early to recommend it for treating depression symptoms. Promoting libido Saffron may also increase sex drive and sexual function in both males and females. ResearchersTrusted Source reviewed the effects of saffron on male infertility problems and noted that while it had a positive effect on erectile dysfunction and overall sex drive, it did not change the viability of the semen. An older study from 2012Trusted Source looked at the effects in women who had reported experiencing sexual dysfunction due to taking the antidepressant fluoxetine. Women who took 30 mg of saffron each day for 4 weeks had increased sexual desire and vaginal lubrication compared with those who took a placebo instead. Reducing PMS symptoms Saffron may also act to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The authors of a 2015 review looked at the research on saffron and symptoms of PMS. Women between the ages of 20 and 45 years who took 30 mg of saffron each day had fewer symptoms than those who took a placebo. Additionally, women who simply smelled saffron for 20 minutes had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their system, which may also contribute to a reduction in PMS symptoms. Promoting weight loss There is also some evidence to suggest that saffron may help promote weight loss and curb the appetite. A study in the Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic ResearchTrusted Source found that taking a saffron extract helped people with coronary artery disease reduce their body mass index (BMI), total fat mass, and waist circumference. People who took the supplement also had a reduced appetite compared with those in the placebo group. Side effects and risks In general, the consumption of saffron carries little risk. Cooking with saffron is a great way to add it to the diet without the risk of consuming too much of this spice. Taking up to 1.5 grams of saffron each day is generally safe, but eating too much can be toxic. Researchers consider 5 g to be a toxic dose. Very high dosages may be more dangerous for certain groups of people. For instance, the authors of one studyTrusted Source note that pregnant women should avoid having more than 5 g per day of saffron as it has a stimulating effect on the uterus. Allergic reactions are a possibility. Anyone who experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking saffron should see a doctor. How to use it One simple way to supplement a meal with saffron is to add a few strands to a cup of hot water. Doing this pulls most of the flavor from the saffron. A person can then add both the water and saffron to a savory dish at the end of cooking. Saffron is also becoming more available as a supplement, generally in the form of powdered stigmas in capsules. It is important to read the instructions on the packaging and speak to a doctor before taking any new supplements. Summary Saffron is an ancient and expensive herb. It contains some antioxidant compounds, which may help reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions that have an association with oxidative stress. There is little evidence to suggest that these antioxidants are any more beneficial to the body than the ones that a person can get simply by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Although more research on these effects is necessary, saffron may also help improve the mood, boost sexual function, and reduce PMS symptoms in some people.