Saffron Extract Review

Once called the “miracle appetite suppressant in a bottle”, saffron extract is a popular dietary supplement that is commonly used for weight loss purposes. According to supplement makers, saffron extract can naturally help you lose weight without having to go on any rigid diet or exercise diet program.

What is Saffron Extract?

All natural Saffron Extract is an expensive spice native to Indian and the eastern Mediterranean diet. It has been used for thousands of years as a spice, as a dye, and for medicinal purposes.

Some recent studies show that saffron extract might have some weight loss benefits, although the evidence is still very early. Most of the hype surrounding saffron extract is solely due to its’ appearance on The Dr. Oz Show.

Saffron Extract and Weight loss

Many people turn to foods like chocolate, cakes, cookies, and other unhealthy foods when they’re feeling down or stressed. This is because these types of food contain chemicals that stimulate the production of serotonin in your body. However, these foods are also loaded in calories, which often causes uncontrollable weight gain.

According to supplement makers, saffron extract naturally increases the secretion of serotonin, which causes you to be less likely to crave those unhealthy foods. Early studies have shown that saffron extract can greatly reduce caloric intake during a given day, although no studies have shown that it prevents unhealthy food cravings.

Based on the information we have right now, saffron extract has been somewhat effective for weight loss. It doesn’t appear to be a home run for weight loss but it has helped some people, so it’s not a strikeout. We recommend looking into saffron extract more and seeing if it is right for you.

Other Benefits of Saffron Extract

According to other studies, saffron extract has other benefits and can treat conditions like:

Depression: A 2005 study found that saffron extract was able to significantly reduce the symptoms of depression compared to that of a placebo. The study involved 40 adults with moderate depression – each of which were either given a placebo or saffron supplement for six weeks.

Premenstrual Syndrome: A 2008 study found that women who took saffron extract had much more minor PMS symptoms than those who took a placebo for two months. Researchers noted that symptoms lasted longer and were much less severe.

There is also some evidence that saffron extract can also eliminate insomnia, pain, heartburn, cough, and reduce the symptoms of asthma. However, very limited data is available.

Side Effects of Saffron Extract

Saffron extract is widely considered to be safe although there has been some concern over the safety of side effects. However, saffron extract only seems to cause any moderate or severe side effects when taken in excess amounts, which can cause vomiting, or numbness.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should also avoid taking saffron supplements, although saffron does not need to be avoided at all costs. Saffron can still be consumed in food dishes but supplements are probably better of being avoided.

Saffron extract also seems to affect mood in unknown ways. Some doctors have expressed concern that it might cause impulsive behavior in people with bipolar disorder. Therefore, saffron supplements should be avoided if you have bipolar disorder.

Buying Saffron Extract

Saffron extract is inherently expensive, so you should expect to pay a bit more for saffron supplements if you buy them.

Also, before purchasing a saffron supplement, make sure that:

• The strength of the supplement is the recommended dose according to studies.
• The company you are buying from sells pure saffron extract without any fillers or artificial ingredients.
• The company has a clear refund and shipping policy.