Health Benefits of Saffron, Uses And Its Side Effects

Saffron is known to have cancer preventing qualities. A compound in Saffron known as crocin is beneficial to cease the growth of colorectal cancer cells. It has also shown the same effects in the cases of prostate cancer and hepatic cancer. Skin cancer can also be treated in some cases with the help of Saffron.

Since Saffron is rich in carotenoids, it has anticancer properties. The useful compounds in Saffron are also useful in preventing the development of cancer cells in the case of leukemia and breast cancer. According to research Saffron can also block the multiplication of two kinds of human cancer cells. This occurs due to the inhibition of an enzyme which is active in cancer cells.

Crocetinic acid present in Saffron also has the power to prevent pancreatic cancer from occurring. This compound also stops the growth of cancer stem cell and destroys them so that the cancer cannot return.

Crocetin present in Saffron can increase the cerebral oxygenenation which facilitates in the treatment for arthritis. According to studies, Meadow Saffron can be very effective in curing gout.

This particular variety of Saffron should however not be consumed by elderly patients who have bone marrow, kidney and liver disorders. It should also be consumed in minute quantities by pregnant women.

The natural compounds present in saffron helps retinal degeneration and vision loss. It also strengthens the capillary network and visual response. Saffron supplements are beneficial in improving macular thickness. It has also been found to cure and prevent photoreceptor damage.

Saffron largely affects the genes which regulate the fatty acid content in the cell membrane, this in turn improves vision to a great extent. Retinitis pigmentosa can also be cured further preventing permanent blindness in young adults.

Insomnia can be extremely annoying and can make us very unproductive throughout the day. Consuming Saffron on a daily basis can treat insomnia and induce sleep in people. It also regulates the pattern of sleeping.

Apart from this, Saffron is also beneficial in treating the side effects of insomnia and depression. It is also beneficial in improving the non-rapid eye movement during sleep.

Saffron is effective in curing memory impairment and learning. According to research, consuming saffron in a day can show improvement in Alzheimer patients. Ethanolic extracts and crocin found in saffron can also be used as a substitute for antidepressants.

People have been consuming saffron since early ages to improve their mood and fight anxiety. Saffron extracts are also safe for schizophrenic patients with little or no side effects.

Saffron has been used to cure breathing problems like asthma since ages. Also traditional medicines use saffron to cure respiratory ailments. Due to its antioxidant properties, saffron proves to be the best medicine for respiratory disorders.

Saffron also plays an important role in treating digestive disorders and promoting digestion. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties, radical scavenging and antioxidant effects. It has also been proven to treat ulcerative colitis and peptic ulcers.

Wounds caused by burns can be healed by Saffron. A paste can be made along with water and saffron which can be directly applied to the wound area for increased healing. Saffron has the tendency to re-epitheliaze burn wounds.

Saffron can increase the preparation of the cervix in term pregnancies. It can also have excellent effects on effacement. Effacement is the thinning of the walls and shortening of the uterine cervix.

Saffron also helps in normal delivery, and women who consumed Saffron during pregnancy have been able to have healthy deliveries and the possibility of a caesarean section was also low. However, it shouldn’t be consumed in excess by pregnant women or it can be detrimental for health or even cause miscarriage.