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How Should Saffron Supplements Be Used For Weight Loss?

By Florentino Shibi


Saffron comes from the plant Crocus sativus and it is commonly used as a spice and other culinary applications. And while its extract offers a wide range of medicinal benefits, saffron for weight loss usually gets the most attention from people. Thanks to Dr. Oz, this supplement is now gaining worldwide interest despite the limited scientific studies that support its health benefits.

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, it was revealed that saffron could promote weight loss because of how it alters the brain's production of serotonin to aid in the suppression of appetite and cravings. It is said that serotonin can significantly affect a person's psychological and physiological functions such as behavior and mood. Experts believe that increased serotonin helps influence the weight loss process.

In order to test the efficacy of saffron for weight loss, Dr. Oz came up with his own experiment. He asked two women volunteers to take saffron supplements over the course of one weekend and they claimed to have decreased their snacking even when under emotional stress. In effect, one of the women lost 5 pounds while the other lost 3 pounds.

In a study published in Nutrition Research during 2010, a group of 60 mildly overweight women were categorized into two groups. The first group was given saffron supplement while the second group was given a placebo. The group that took saffron for weight loss was able to reduce their snacking better as compared to those that took the placebo.

Majority of the clinical studies conducted on saffron for weight loss made use of a proprietary blend referred to as Satiereal. Dr. Oz mentioned Satiereal as a key ingredient in saffron supplements, as it is the one you will see in many well-known brands. Supplements containing this proprietary blend are also known to help minimize a person's craving for weight-increasing sugary foods.

While saffron extract has excellent weight-reducing properties, the other health benefits it can offer cannot be overlooked. Women who have taken this supplement were reported to have gained relief from menstrual cramps and heir premenstrual syndrome. It may also provide relief from coughs, asthma, dry skin, insomnia, heartburn, and intestinal gas. Some even believe that it can be used as an aphrodisiac.

Despite the claims of using saffron for weight loss, it is important to remember that it must not be treated as a "quick fix" for your weight problems. Just as Dr. Oz always says, you simply cannot replace a healthy diet and proper exercise. Supplements are just that - supplements, and they are best combined with diet and exercise to get the best results possible.




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