How Does Saffron Extract Help For Weight Loss?

 

Saffron extract is slowly gaining popularity as an effective weight loss agent. This ingredient is the chief component in many dietary supplements available on the market such as Saffron Extract Select. Speaking about its benefits for weight loss the first obvious question that comes to mind is "What is Saffron Extract".

Saffron is a spice widely used in Asian cooking. The spice imparts a unique flavor and color to food. It is also well-known for its medicinal properties. It is obtained from the flower of a plant called Crocus Sativus also called Saffron Crocus. The crimson colored strands are the stigmas plucked from the flower. Each flower has 3 stigmas. The process of picking and plucking is a tedious one because 14000 stigmas put together amount to only 1 ounce. That is why saffron is expensive. The natural element has varied benefits to the body. We will mention each of them; however, we shall concentrate on its effectiveness for weight loss.

Saffron Extract and Weight Loss

Research suggests that the extract works similar to carbohydrates in the body.

There is a hormone in our brain called Serotonin. It plays a crucial role in the body as it regulates mood. It induces feelings such as satisfaction, happiness and relaxation. When the levels of serotonin drop in the body, one experiences sadness, anxiety or depression. Most people turn to food to relieve their anxiety and restlessness because it makes them feel better. Food particularly carbohydrates has a positive impact on one's state of mind. Carbohydrates increase the secretion of Serotonin or "the happy hormone" in the body. Sugar levels in the body are closely tied to the serotonin levels. A drop in the sugar level results in a drop in the level of serotonin.

The saffron extract imitates the action of carbohydrates. However, there is one major difference. It boosts serotonin levels and creates the "feel-good-feeling" without adding calories. Thus, it acts as a natural appetite suppressant and promotes a feeling of satiety. It controls binge eating caused by emotional slumps. It improves mood too. It helps in fighting obesity. 

In addition to controlling fat buildup by suppressing appetite, the extract maintains metabolic function. It accelerates the process of thermogenesis. It burns fat deposits at a faster rate and prevents the formation of new deposits. It keeps the energy levels from dipping and assists in fighting fatigue.

Other Uses of Saffron

Besides weight loss saffron is used to treat various other common ailments.

It is used to relieve the respiratory problem asthma.

It is used to treat cold, cough and fever.

It is used to smoothen out dry skin.

It is used to reduce nausea and heartburn.

Traditionally, it has been used as a pain killer to alleviate stomach pain, kidney pain and body pain.

As it raises the levels of serotonin, it helps relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

Many women use it to reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps and other Premenstrual syndrome symptoms.

Also Read  Health Benefits of Saffron or Kesar or Crocus Sativus – An Ayurveda View

By Cynthia P Brown