Whenever you hear the word saffron, we’re sure you think of food. People use it as a spice and colouring agent. We associate it with Indian foods. So, what’s the deal with saffron and erectile dysfunction? Are they really connected? Can saffron help manage erectile dysfunction? Let’s find out!
What is Saffron?
Saffron is a type of spice. It comes from the flowers of the saffron crocus. Saffron has a distinct vivid crimson colour, so it is also used to add colour to food. Ancient records show that it has been in use since as early as 2300 BCE. Saffron is also considered the most expensive spice in the world and can cost up to $20 per gram.
Saffron and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Aside from helping make food tastier and more colourful, saffron provides many health benefits.
Saffron may be good for your eye health and protect you from age-related eye issues. Examples of age-related eye conditions include macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, taking 30 mg of oral saffron supplement for six months resulted in improved retinal function.
According to an article published by the Cleveland Clinic, saffron might help improve one’s memory and learning ability. This is because saffron is rich in antioxidants. The anti-oxidants saffron contains might help protect the brain from damage. These antioxidants might also protect the brain from neurological issues such as Parkinson’s disease.
Is saffron good for erectile dysfunction? According to studies, it actually is. Saffron is good for erectile dysfunction for several reasons.
An article published by the National Library of Medicine says that saffron has a positive effect on erectile dysfunction because of the spice’s various properties. For one, saffron’s antioxidants are good for your nervous system. A healthy nervous system is essential for penile erections. Injuries and diseases affecting the nervous system can lead to erectile dysfunction.
According to an article published by the University of California San Francisco, stroke, head injuries, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease can lead to ED. These diseases of the nervous system negatively affect the male libido. They also interfere with the nerve impulses responsible for erections.
Saffron has excellent anti-inflammatory properties because of its active ingredients, crocin, safranal, and crocetin. Chronic inflammation contributes to the development of erectile dysfunction.
Researches also indicate that saffron is an effective weight loss aid. Saffron does this by reducing appetite and making a person feel full. Saffron also helps speed up metabolism. A speedy metabolism means that the body burns calories faster so it doesn’t get stored as fat.
Having a fast metabolism also means that the body burns calories even when a person is resting. Saffron is an excellent aid for people who want to lose weight but have healthy appetites. However, this doesn’t mean that a person doesn’t need to exercise, as exercises are still the best way to burn calories. It is also important to combine exercises with a healthy and balanced diet to easily attain the ideal weight. These properties make saffron an excellent aid in weight management, especially for people with obesity. How does saffron help erectile dysfunction? Being overweight or obese is a major risk for erectile dysfunction. Being overweight can lead to lower testosterone levels. It also increases the risk of diabetes. Obesity can also result in damage to the nerves and blood vessels. All of these can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, according to an analysis of several studies published by the National Library of Medicine, saffron supplements are effective in suppressing depressive symptoms. This can make saffron supplements an important tool in battling depression. However, larger clinical trials and longer follow-ups are still needed to ensure firm conclusions. Why does this matter? Depression is one of the major risk factors for erectile dysfunction. If proven effective in treating depression, saffron supplements will be an excellent alternative for people with depression who are not too keen on taking prescribed medications.
Saffron can be an effective sleep aid. Research says that saffron contains active substances, including crocin, which may help improve the quality and duration of sleep. Saffron is also thought to be able to increase the levels of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. These properties of saffron and its active ingredients can benefit those with erectile dysfunction because sleep disorders and poor quality sleep are linked to erectile dysfunction. The lack of quality sleep can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, which are major contributors to ED. Sleep disorders can also alter testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Is Saffron Safe for You?
Consuming saffron is generally safe. Up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day is considered safe. However, consuming up to 5 grams of saffron can be toxic. In particular, pregnant women are advised to avoid high doses of saffron as it can lead to miscarriage. For both men and women, high doses can lead to poisoning. Side effects of saffron poisoning include the yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. It can cause numbness and dizziness. Saffron poisoning can cause bloody diarrhoea and bleeding of the eyelids, nose, and lips.
Before taking saffron, both as a spice for your food and as a food supplement, be aware of its possible side effects. Possible side effects include dry mouth, nausea, and drowsiness. It can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. If you feel any of these side effects, discontinue consuming saffron and consult your doctor.
How to Include Saffron in Your Diet
If you want to harness the benefits of saffron against erectile dysfunction, there are several options you can explore. The most common way is to add it while you are cooking your food. If you plan on cooking with saffron, you can add saffron threads to hot water and let it steep for a few minutes before adding it to your dishes. Another way is by crushing saffron threads into a fine powder. You can use a mortar and pestle to crush saffron threads before adding it to your soup, stew, sauce, or broth. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, crumble saffron threads using your fingers. Another option is to toast saffron threads in a skillet before crushing it into powder.
You can add saffron to your beverages. Add a few threads of saffron to a cup of hot tea and let it steep before drinking. You can even add saffron to a cup of warm or cold milk if you want to.
If you do not have the time to cook, consider taking saffron supplements. Saffron supplements can be in tablet or capsule form. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid possible side effects; doses can vary depending on the manufacturer of the supplement. Remember: consult your doctor before taking saffron supplements as part of your ED treatment.
Conclusion
Saffron and erectile dysfunction might sound as if they belong to different worlds, but they are connected. Saffron has many benefits for someone experiencing erectile dysfunction. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help you sleep better. It can also help alter the mood to prevent anxiety, stress, and depression. Saffron can also help in managing weight to prevent health issues that lead to erectile dysfunction, such as obesity and diabetes.
While saffron has been explored as a potential natural remedy for erectile dysfunction, it is still essential to consult a doctor who specialises in ED.
Don’t hesitate to consult one of our UK-licensed specialists at the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) before incorporating saffron into your regimen. MHC is a telehealth clinic specialising in male sexual dysfunctions, including ED and premature ejaculation (PE). Our team assesses each patient’s health profile to create highly customised treatment plans through compounded medications. Remember not to overdo the consumption of saffron or saffron supplements, and always seek professional guidance. Contact MHC to book a FREE appointment with us today to discuss your options.
