Natural Awakenings Twin Cities September 2020

Saffron has been shown
to aid in curbing appetite
to assist in the cessation
of emotional eating and
mindless snacking.
©BrentHofacker”
SAFFRON
The Sunshine Supplement
by Alina Hornfeldt
Saffron is known to many people as “the spice worth its weight in gold”. The beautifully
red-colored strands are notable for being exotic, expensive and luxurious. But saffron
has been gaining notoriety in the health and wellness industry lately as an addition to
supplementation routines for better mood, increased libido and weight management.
Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world—a pound can cost anywhere
between $500 and $5,000. The reason it is so costly is due to the painstaking method
required to hand harvest the delicate strands. Coming from the Crocus sativus flower,
saffron originated in Greece, where its medicinal properties are historically renowned.
The most popular and current use for supplementing with saffron is that it may
improve mood and help treat depressive symptoms. Nicknamed “the sunshine spice”,
saffron has shown in studies to be significantly more effective than placebos at treating
mild-to-moderate depression symptoms. These studies also found that participants taking
saffron reported fewer side effects than those using other treatments.
Another sunshiny benefit of saffron is fewer PMS symptoms. PMS refers to the days
before menstruation when one may experience distressing symptoms that are disruptive
to their daily lives, which may be physical, emotional or psychological. These include
irritability, headaches, pain, cravings and more. Saffron taken at 30mg daily was more
effective than a placebo taken by individuals 20 to 45 years of age in treating the broad
range of PMS symptoms. One study found that just smelling saffron for 20 minutes
helped to lower cortisol levels and decrease anxiety in PMS sufferers.
An aphrodisiac is a supplement that helps boost one’s libido. Saffron has been shown
in studies to have aphrodisiac properties relating to erectile dysfunction, desire, lubrication
and overall satisfaction in individuals taking 30mg daily. A healthy libido has been
shown to improve mood and general wellbeing which can lead to a higher quality of life.
Weight management is an aspect of health that many Americans are interested in
working on to achieve holistic wellness. Saffron has been shown to aid in curbing appetite
to assist in the cessation of emotional eating and mindless snacking. Although
researchers are unsure of exactly how saffron works in the body to curb appetite, in two
individual eight-week studies, taking saffron significantly reduced appetite, total fat mass,
body mass index and waist circumference. It is theorized that saffron works to elevate
mood which in turn aids in achieving weight management goals.
Saffron has been highly prized for
centuries, and we are just beginning to
understand how and why. As well as a potentially
beneficial supplement for depression
and PMS, libido and weight management,
studies are being done to find out
how saffron benefits memory, free radical
damage, fights cancer and reduces heart
disease. Saffron may be difficult to add
into your everyday diet, but quick and easy
with which to supplement. Considered
generally safe and with no side effects,
we will be seeing this super supplement
incorporated into many people’s routines.
After all, everyone deserves some sunshine
in their day.
Alina Hornfeldt is the
marketing manager at
Mastel’s Health Foods. The
staff at Mastel’s is experienced,
deeply knowledgeable
and available to help
you find those supplements
that best suit your needs. Mastel’s is located
at 1526 St. Clair Ave., St Paul. For more
information, call 651-690-1692 or visit
Mastels.com. See ad, page 13.
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September 2020
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