Better Nutrition September 2019
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anxiety and stress. Pregnant women<br />
should avoid passionflower..<br />
SAFFRON<br />
From the threadlike red stigmas<br />
of the Crocus sativus flower,<br />
saffron has been revered for centuries<br />
as a culinary herb and a traditional<br />
medicine to treat depression, anxiety and<br />
inflammation. Saffron contains safranal<br />
and crocin, compounds that may ease<br />
depression by interacting with the brain’s<br />
serotonin and noradrenaline system. The<br />
antioxidants in saffron are also thought<br />
to protect brain cells from oxidative stress,<br />
linked with mood disorders. A number<br />
of studies show saffron can significantly<br />
reduce depression and, in some cases,<br />
may be as effective as a prescription<br />
antidepressant. Another study found<br />
that people who took crocin along with<br />
their antidepressants showed significantly<br />
improved scores for relief of depression<br />
and anxiety compared to those who<br />
took a placebo or antidepressants alone.<br />
SEPTEMBER <strong>2019</strong> • 27
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