(NaturalHealth365)  The leading cause of blindness in adults over 50 is macular degeneration.  Up to 11 million older Americans have some degree of macular degeneration related to the aging process.  By age 75, 30 percent of people have this eye condition.

However, specific plant carotenoids are known to help reduce the risk of macular degeneration and delay its progression.  In fact, recent studies show that consuming just 20 mg a day of saffron extract can improve vision.

Preventing age-related macular degeneration is possible

Saffron is a fragrant spice used in cooking.  It is derived from the crocus flower, which grows mainly in Spain and France.  Scientists have found that a daily supplement of this flavorful spice can help to improve visual acuity and light sensitivity.  Patients with macular degeneration who consume saffron daily improve vision significantly.  Over time, as many as two additional eye chart lines can be viewed on the standard optometrist’s eye chart.

Exposure to ultraviolet and visible light is the main cause of macular degeneration.  Chemical stresses from too much glucose or oxygen in the bloodstream can also contribute.  These factors cause retinal light-sensing cells to break down.  If this continues, vision loss and blindness can result.

Benefits of saffron include healthier retinal cells and stronger visual acuity

Preserving the macula’s structural integrity is crucial to preventing its degeneration.  Saffron has been found to protect the macula and help prevent the breakdown of the light-sensitive cells at its center.  These saffron benefits help address age-related macular degeneration at its root cause.

In an initial saffron study, patients in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration were either given a placebo or 20 mg per day of saffron.  The improvements in eye responses to light were measurably stronger in the saffron group, indicating healthier retinal cells.

A second saffron study found that those taking saffron also had stronger visual acuity or sharpness in distance vision.  Saffron supplementation definitely helps the eyes’ light-sensing abilities, slowing the progression of macular degeneration.  After three months, patients could see another full line on the eye chart.

Improve vision and preserve eye health naturally

Taking 20 mg of saffron per day also had longer-term health effects.  After 14 months, participants gained the ability to see two lines on the eye chart.  Clearly, longer-term supplementation yielded even more profound vision benefits.

Another known vision enhancer is the nutrient alpha-carotene.  Persons with high levels of alpha-carotene in their systems have a 32 percent lower risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.  Taking alpha-carotene, saffron extracts, and other key retina-strengthening nutrients can be a powerful, natural way to protect eyesight from vision loss.

The benefits of saffron and alpha-carotene are further enhanced when nutrients like lutein, astaxanthin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and zeaxanthin are taken.  Carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, citrus fruits, and dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are all foods that contain nutrients that are beneficial for eye health.  However, the research confirms you can improve vision by taking a 20 mg saffron supplement daily.

Other surprising benefits of saffron you may not have heard about

Sure, saffron is known for its remarkable ability to enhance vision and protect against age-related macular degeneration.  But did you know this golden spice offers even more ways to boost your overall well-being?  Let’s dive into some additional benefits that might just surprise you:

1. Improved mood:  Saffron has a long history of use in traditional medicine for lifting mood and combating mild to moderate depression.  Modern studies suggest that saffron may influence neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are key players in regulating mood.
2. Antioxidant properties:  Packed with powerful antioxidants such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal, saffron helps shield your cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals.  These antioxidants contribute to overall health and may even promote longevity.
3. Anti-inflammatory effects:  Research indicates that saffron possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.  Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, so saffron’s anti-inflammatory benefits could have broad health implications.
4. Potential for weight management:  Some studies suggest that saffron may aid in weight management by curbing appetite, reducing snacking urges, and supporting metabolic processes involved in fat burning.
5. Improved memory and cognitive function:  Preliminary research hints that saffron may enhance memory and cognitive abilities.  This could be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline or those managing neurodegenerative conditions.
6. Menstrual symptom relief:  Known for its potential to alleviate symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), saffron may help ease mood swings, cramps, and discomfort associated with these conditions.
7. Potential cancer-fighting properties: Saffron’s bioactive compounds have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and triggering their programmed cell death.  Ongoing studies are exploring saffron’s role in cancer prevention and treatment.
8. Heart health:  Early research suggests that saffron could support cardiovascular health by improving blood lipid profiles, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing endothelial function, which is crucial for healthy blood vessels.

So, the next time you sprinkle saffron into your cooking or sip on saffron tea, remembe – it’s not just about adding flavor and color.  This spice is a treasure trove of health benefits waiting to be explored.  Enjoy!

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Jamanetwork.com
Brightfocus.org
Lifeextension.com