Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Unique Weight-Loss Benefits Offered By Saffron Extract

By Bettina Dupler


Saffron is a product of the plant known as Crocus sativus. It's most popular application is in the kitchen, both as a spice and a coloring agent, but it may also be used to alleviate a wide range of health problems. But of all the benefits that it can offer, people are most interested about saffron for weight loss. Ever since being recommended by the great Dr. Oz, it has indeed gained worldwide fame.

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, 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.

There was also another study that was published in Nutrition Research in 2010 and it involved 60 women who were mildly overweight. They were divided into two groups - the first group took saffron for weight loss while the second group took a placebo. The result was that those who took the saffron extract reduced their snacking more than those who took the placebo.

It is important to be aware that many of the clinical studies involving saffron for weight loss made use of Satiereal, a proprietary blend of saffron that has been mentioned by Dr. Oz in his show. According to studies, Satiereal saffron supplements can also help a person to shy away from sugary foods, which can be a big factor in additional weight gain.

Besides being used as a weight-loss supplement, taking saffron extract may also be able to alleviate a myriad of health issues including asthma, coughing, intestinal gas, heartburn, dry skin, and insomnia. It may also help women to get relief from menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome. There are also experts who claim that it can act 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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