What is Spanish saffron? Why does your 'heart' need it?
What's the story
Spanish saffron, obtained from the Crocus sativus flower, holds a special place not only for its culinary allure but also for its health benefits, especially for the heart.
Emerging research emphasizes that including Spanish saffron in your diet can have a profound positive impact on heart health.
Let's find out how.
Antioxidants
Antioxidant powerhouse
Saffron is rich in antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that help protect your body from harmful oxidative stress and free radicals.
Research indicates that the antioxidants in saffron, including crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol, can significantly benefit heart health by lowering blood pressure and preventing artery hardening.
These effects can greatly reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Cholesterol management
Reducing bad cholesterol
A crucial aspect of keeping your heart healthy is managing cholesterol levels.
High levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol contribute to heart disease by building up in your arteries.
Studies show that daily intake of Spanish saffron can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels and may slightly increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol, helping to achieve a more heart-healthy balance.
Blood pressure
Blood pressure regulation
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Saffron exhibits properties that help regulate blood pressure.
The bioactive compounds in the spice relax blood vessels and decrease arterial stiffness, resulting in lower blood pressure.
Including saffron in your diet may be a natural way to manage hypertension.
Inflammation reduction
Anti-inflammatory effects
Chronic inflammation contributes to an increased risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Saffron, with its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, significantly reduces this risk.
It does so by effectively suppressing inflammatory markers within the body.
This not only promotes heart health but also enhances overall well-being by relieving inflammation-related discomforts. Hence, it is a worthy addition to a heart-healthy diet.
Mental well-being
Mood enhancement and stress reduction
Stress and poor mental health can indirectly contribute to heart disease risk by putting strain on the cardiovascular system.
Saffron, due to its influence on serotonin metabolism in the brain, has mood-enhancing properties.
By lifting your spirits and helping keep stress at bay, a little saffron can go a long way in supporting heart health by reducing the impact of psychological factors that contribute to cardiovascular strain.