Saffron for weight loss: Here’s how this crimson spice can help you shed the extra kilos

Weight loss isn’t exactly a walk in the park! It can feel like a daunting expedition due to the many challenges that come along with it. People come across many ways to lose weight, but find it hard to find those that work for them. On that note, have you tried saffron for weight loss yet? Saffron is more than just a delicate crimson thread. It contains properties that can help you shed the extra kilos. If you are curious about how it works, here’s everything you need to know about using saffron for weight loss.

Benefits of saffron for weight loss

Saffron is a perennial, small spice that belongs to the lily family. Did you know saffron is the most expensive spice in the world? This is because it is labour-intensive. Saffron is obtained from the stigmas of the flowers. It is handpicked, cut from the white style, and then carefully laid on a sieve and cured over heat to deepen the flavour. Apart from being flavourful and expensive, saffron offers several other benefits, including aiding weight loss.

“Saffron has a variety of advantages for controlling weight, including the capacity to reduce cravings, suppress appetite, control blood sugar, and speed up metabolism,” Dr Neeti Sharma, Nutritionist and Dietitian at Marengo Asia Hospitals, tells Health Shots.

A study published in Nutrition Research found that saffron suppresses hunger by helping you feel fuller for longer. In the eight-week timeframe of the study, it was found that saffron may effectively reduce hunger and reduce snacking patterns. Women who used saffron in their routine reported feeling fuller after eating, which decreased the frequency of their snacking and resulted in noticeable weight loss.

“It also contains antioxidants, which protect the body against oxidative stress which may help weight loss by improving overall health,” says the expert.

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How to include saffron in your diet for weight loss?

The best saffron threats are the ones that are in solid red colour and that are dry and brittle to the touch. Plus, it should smell strong and fresh. Here are some methods to include saffron in your diet:

1. Saffron threads

Take a pinch of saffron extract once a day to manage hunger and control your appetite. It is advised to take it on an empty stomach for best results, suggests the expert.

2. Saffron supplements

You can also consider adding saffron supplements to your diet by consuming one capsule on an empty stomach each day, advises the dietitian. To get the best results, it is advisable to cycle saffron intake, taking breaks of at least two weeks after using it continuously for some weeks.

3. Saffron water

Soaking five to seven saffron strands in hot water for ten minutes is another way to add saffron to your weight loss diet. For a month, drinking this infusion of water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach helps control hunger, increase metabolism, improve immunity, and aid in weight loss, recommends the nutritionist.

Don’t expect a miracle with saffron for weight loss

Saffron is not a miraculous spice that will make you lose weight in a jiffy. It can be a part of your weight loss diet to balance all necessary nutrients. Along with a healthy diet, you need to exercise regularly if you want to lose weight.

You should also keep in mind that results may vary from one person to another, so before beginning a new supplement or regimen, you should consult a doctor. For people who have underlying medical conditions or taking medication, it is advisable to speak with a dietitian.