Apparently it’s a powerful antioxidant with an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants — protecting cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. I’m sure there are more, but the antioxidants found in saffron that I remember reading about were:

* crocin

* crocetin

* safranal (gives saffron its distinct taste and aroma. I read a study that said it could possibly help improve mood, memory, and learning abilities, as well as protect brain cells against oxidative stress)

* kaempferol (has been linked to health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, anticancer properties, and antidepressant activity)

From what I’ve gathered, saffron has been linked to several other potential health benefits, such as improved heart disease risk, blood sugar levels, and eyesight. I also read that saffron is used as an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) remedy in Iranian folk medicine. Another article mentioned that saffron could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and relieve some symptoms.

So I figured it might be worth trying even if only half of the claims are true.