Saffron, being the most expensive and wonder spice, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits. Just 1 gram of saffron typically costs around 500 INR (Prices may fluctuate slightly). But you know what? You will pay even more than this price after realizing the health benefits the threads of saffron carry.
Moreover, the high price is also associated with its labor-intensive harvesting methods and costly production.
Let me tell you a bit behind the scenes, saffron is handpicked from the Crocus sativus flower. Out of 150,000 flowers, only 1kg of saffron is produced.
While it is known for its rich culinary experiences, it has impressive health benefits that you might not know by this time.
Let’s go through its powerful benefits one by one and you let me know in the comments below if you were aware of these benefits.

1. Powerful Antioxidant: Saffron has affluent compounds that act as antioxidants. These antioxidants are molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and reduce the damage caused by oxidation. Some of the powerful antioxidants that saffron incorporates are: Crocin, Safranal, Crocetin, Picrocrocin, and Kaempferol.
   Crocin is responsible for red color and it is the prominent antioxidant in saffron. Research also shows that safranal is beneficial in plenty of health conditions:
   Inflammation
   Hypertension
   Asthma
   Cancer
   Depression
   Kaempferol antioxidant is found in saffron flower petals. This antioxidant is beneficial to boost the immune system and protect against viruses including hepatitis B, flu, HIV, and respiratory syncytial virus.
2. Treats Depressive Symptoms: A 2019 research suggests that saffron treats symptoms of mild to moderate depression. It is just as effective as citalopram, imipramine, and fluoxetine. However, more human studies are needed before experts recommend saffron as a treatment for depression.
3. Cancer-fighting properties: Saffron is rich in antioxidants which neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer. Saffron’s compounds selectively kill cancer cells and suppress tumor growth while keeping the good cells unharmed. It is effective in colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, leukemia, and brain cancer. However, more research is needed to comprehend the cancer-fighting properties of saffron.
4. Reduces PMS symptoms: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) defines psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms that occur before the start of a menstrual period. Saffron positively affects parts of the female reproductive system and daily use of 50-100mg saffron can provide relief from PMS symptoms.
5. Aids weight loss: Saffron helps with weight management as it reduces appetite. Consumption of 50-100mg of saffron per day for 12 weeks significantly reduced body mass index, weight, and waist circumference, according to a study. Saffron compound improves HDL (good) cholesterol and reduces triglyceride levels. It is especially effective for people suffering from obesity.

Conclusion:

Saffron is a wonder spice that is filled with ample compounds and is linked to numerous health benefits such as improved libido, mood and reduced weight, and PMS symptoms.
Very few people have encountered the side effects of saffron but it is normally beneficial if consumed in a specific quantity.
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