Loading up on saffron is usually considered a luxury. The brightly-colored culinary spice has long been treasured as a potent ingredient in teas and stews throughout the Middle East — and is notoriously expensive. Now we’re learning that the spice may carry more modern health benefits than we ever imagined. As LA-based integrative doctor, Dr. Habib Sadeghi shares below, “Research has shown that saffron is just as effective as Prozac for treating moderate depression…”

As a first-generation Iranian-America, founder of The Fullest, Nikki Bostick grew up with a generous amount of saffron in childhood meals. Her mother taught her a few traditional uses for the spice such as eating a little saffron rice to reduce bloating, but it wasn’t until she worked with Dr. Sadeghi that she learned of saffron’s potent ability to support mood health.

The Fullest’s just-launched saffron latte harnesses the anti-inflammatory effects of the spice in a base of creamy coconut milk powder and checks off all the wellness boxes: vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. Try the new latte mix here, and learn more about the benefits of saffron below…

What You Should Know: Supplementing with saffron can be intimidating for two reasons: the price point (saffron is know for being one of the most expensive spices) and the preparation required to get the full benefits of the spice. It’s not necessarily like other herbs and spices that you just add to your bowl of sautéed veggies. When you cook with it, you grind it down and add it to water or ice to make it into a tincture, and use that tincture to add drops of it to your food.

Why You Should Try it: According to LA-based integrative doctor, Dr. Habib Sadeghi: “research has shown that saffron is just as effective as Prozac for treating moderate depression. Best of all, saffron doesn’t come with the usual side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like Prozac and other antidepressants that include weight gain, suicide risk, and feeling emotionally muted.” How much do we need to take to get the benefits of saffron? “Studies have confirmed saffron’s anti-depressant effect at 20mg and 30mg per day. Adding to saffron’s neurological benefits, a review of 14 different research studies has found it to be as effective as Aricept, the most commonly prescribed drug for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Let’s Get Together: Saffron can be easily blended into recipes, but our favorite (and most efficient) way to supplement with it is in the form of a daily latte. The Fullest’s Saffron Latte features freshly ground saffron paired with a fat (coconut milk powder) for optimal absorption. There are 150mgs of saffron in each serving that act as an instant mood lifter, as well as having impressive long-term effects when used regulaSaderly.

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The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.