Faster Diet Success with Saffron

As much as 150 years ago, Sebastian Kneipp was said to believe in saffron’s positive effects on diets – success that came without any side effects. With his pharmaceutical knowledge and experience, this grandfatherly herbal priest revolutionised naturopathy in his time.

In traditional Chinese Medicine, saffron has been used successfully for more than 2000 years in the treatment of all types of metabolism disorders. Numerous modern studies have demonstrated the stimulating properties of this violet autumn- blooming crocus variety. In Europe, saffron is mainly used as a spice nowadays, but its red stigmas can do so much more.

Saffron stimulates Metabolism

Saffron does not just bring variety to dishes during a diet. At the same time, it also acts as a metabolism booster. It has been possible to scientifically prove that the highly bitter and aromatic aspects of saffron stigmas boost metabolism as well as circulation.

So, those who regularly consume saffron, tend not only to be more motivated for exercise and movement but also to burn more calories whilst doing it. This is how people wanting to lose weight can really benefit from regularly including saffron as a spice in their meal plans.

Incidentally, saffron is also known to have cholesterol and blood sugar lowering properties. Both those figures are often elevated in overweight people.

Bye Bye Cravings

Particularly exciting are the benefits of the safranal and crocin properties on a psychogenic level. These have been shown to increase serotonin, dopamine and noradrenalin levels in body. An increase of these neurotransmitters positively affects mood and are as such beneficial to motivation and general activity levels. Particularly during diets, when the body receives less energy than it burns, fatigue and difficulties in sticking to an exercise programme are commonly experienced. For that reason alone, it’s worth to keep feeding those mood enhancers to keep them happy. But that’s not the only reason:

An increase in these neurotransmitters can also significantly influence appetite. Several studies have demonstrated a generally reduced feeling of hunger as well as an up to 70% reduction of sweet cravings, which in other study participants led to an uncontrollable consumption of snacks and fierce cravings.

Our tip: those who want to lose weight benefit from saffron-fish-dishes. Fish contains lots of healthy Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for metabolism and cannot be produced by the body itself. On top of this, fish and saffron offer an excellent taste experience and stop any diet from becoming boring.
In addition, green smoothies and soups with saffron sweeten every nutrition plan and supply many important vitamins: pleasing to your taste buds and your figure.