Are The Weight-Loss Benefits Of Saffron Extract For Real?

By Bennett Vidals


Saffron to most people is a culinary ingredient used as a spice and coloring agent, but in the field of medicine, this product from the plant Crocus sativus can deliver a wide range of health benefits. Despite this, it's most popular application today is in helping people lose weight. After the famed Dr. Oz mentioned it in his show, saffron for weight loss has been gathering a lot of buzz. So what is it all about?

Saffron for weight loss is said to be very effective primarily because it is able to curb one's appetite and tone down cravings. One of the causes of weight gain is compulsive eating, usually as a reaction to emotional factors such as boredom, anxiety, and anger. People don't really think about the quantity and quality of what they eat when under emotional stress and this ultimately leads to weight gain.

In a clinical study, experts reveal that the reason why saffron effectively minimizes appetite and cravings is because of its positive effect on the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is said to have an influence on a person's psychological and physiological functions that include mood and behavior. Having more of this hormone gives you better control of your cravings and appetite.

Dr. Oz himself took initiative in confirming the efficacy of saffron for weight loss and thus he conducted an experiment involving two women with emotional eating habits. Over the weekend, they were given saffron supplements without restricting their calorie intake. As a result, both women experienced less desire to snack even under emotional stress. Both also lost weight of a total of 8 pounds.

In another study that was published last 2010 in Nutrition Research, 60 mildly overweight women were divided into two groups, with the first group being given a saffron supplement while the other group was given a placebo. The group that took saffron for weight loss was able to reduce their snacking by a significant percentage while the other group had minimal results.

It is important to be aware that many of the clinical studies involving saffron for weight loss made use of Satiereal, a proprietary blend of saffron that has been mentioned by Dr. Oz in his show. According to studies, Satiereal saffron supplements can also help a person to shy away from sugary foods, which can be a big factor in additional weight gain.

In addition to having applications as a weight-loss supplement, saffron extracts may also help provide relief for other health problems such as asthma, coughing, heartburn, insomnia, intestinal gas, and dry skin. Women who have problems with menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome may also benefit from this supplement. Experts also believe that it can act as an aphrodisiac as well.

With all the claims of efficacy on saffron for weight loss, it is still a good idea to incorporate a healthy diet and regular exercise in your program if you want to achieve the best results. As Dr. Oz always says, these supplements must never replace diet and exercise, but instead enhance your weight-loss program. Always remember that there is no such thing as a "magic pill" for weight loss.




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