The health benefits of saffron are PHENOMENAL. Not only is it a gorgeous exotic spice that will add brilliant colour and flavour to any dish, it is highly valued in traditional Asian medicine.

Saffron is also a late fall bloomer. And since we are always looking for ways to lengthen the flower season on the Farmstead we are growing it for the first time this year. Not only for the health benefits, but also for our sweet sister bees to enjoy! Saffron is a fall bloomer – the perfect addition to our flowers on the Farmstead. The blooms will support our honey bees to build up nutrient rich food stores for the winter.

So what are the PHENOMENAL health benefits of saffron you ask? Here are just a few:

1. Antioxidant Powerhouse

Antioxidant is a “buzz” word we hear all the time. (Yes, pun intended!) We are told antioxidant rich foods are really good for us. And to keep your skin young and healthy you should use skincare products that contain antioxidants. But what does antioxidant mean? AND what is all the “buzz” about?

Antioxidants are compounds that stop or delay damage to our cells. They are naturally found in many foods and spices, including an abundance in saffron. Antioxidants help ward off cell damage by “cleaning up” or removing waste products in our cells, called free radicals. Free radicals are most often implicated in cell damage that leads to cancer development.

The body has built-in defenses to reduce the impact of free radicals, but it could use some help. That’s where saffron comes in. It helps protect your cells from the effects of free radicals. The antioxidant properties reduce inflammation in your body and with it, chronic disease. Definitely worthy of the “buzz”!

2. Improve Your Mood

Saffron has emerged as an effective natural mood supporter. It has been known to relieve PMS symptoms, anxiety, mild depression and improve mood in those who regularly consume it.

3. Immunity Booster

Saffron may be delicious, but it also packed nutrients, including vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is important for human health, stimulating the production of white blood cells to help protect you from illness. Vitamin C is also a key factor in the production of collagen, which is essential for healthy cell growth in the body. It contributes to wound healing, muscle growth, blood vessel repair, and tissue production.

4. Stomach Soother

Antioxidant rich saffron is known to reduce heartburn, indigestion, constipation, bloating, cramping, and serious conditions like gastric ulcers. If you have an upset stomach or gastric disorder, saffron may be just what you need to find relief.

5. Diabetes Management

Insulin resistance – a condition in which your cells stop responding normally to the hormone insulin – is a leading factor in the development of diabetes. Crocetin, a major component of saffron, has been found to tackle insulin resistance.

Also, its significant levels of manganese are another health benefit of saffron. It can help the body optimize its blood sugar levels. By regulating your blood sugar, insulin, and glucose levels, you may be better able to manage the symptoms of type II Diabetes or help prevent it from developing in the first place.

6. Heart Health

It is said that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron help maintain healthy arteries, lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Some researchers have even theorized that some Mediterranean countries have lower rates of cardiovascular disease due to their heavy use of saffron.

With all these phenomenal health benefits, we can hardly wait for our saffron flowers to bloom on the Farmstead. Stay tuned! We will let you know when the first green shoots appear.

 

NOTE: If we inspired you after reading this blog and you are interested in trying saffron, or any other natural remedy, please talk to your prescribing doctor before changing the use of any current medications or introducing new natural remedies to any medical treatment plan, including Saffron. We are not offering medical advice nor claim to have medical expertise. It is always recommended to work with a natural medicine practitioner who is educated in prescribing the use of natural remedies alongside medications.