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

By Cedrick Eilers


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.

According to Dr. Oz, using saffron for weight loss has its merits mainly because of its ability to tone down a person's appetite and cravings. If you are among those people who go on an eating spree when you're bored, upset, or angry, you might not be aware that it is contributing to your weight gain. Come to think of it, you don't really care what and how much you eat when you're in bad mood right?

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.

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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