The most nutrients contained in saffron are magnesium, which plays a key role in the process of muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses (magnesium deficiency can result in muscle cramps and insomnia, saffron is therefore useful in case of mood and sleep disorders); vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that counteract the action of free radicals, stimulates the immune system and favors the absorption of iron into the intestine; folates, which are converted to the intestinal tract in essential folic acid necessary for the growth and functioning of the nervous system; potassium, which regulates heart rate and contraction, pH and transmission of nerve impulses, facilitates the elimination of excess fluid, thereby lowering blood pressure; phosphorus, present in the structure of certain enzymes involved in cell repair; safranal, aromatic aldehyde, main component of essential oil and crocina and crocetin – carotenoids – pigments that give the typical red color to saffron.
The latter three, safranal, crocina and crocetina, are the elements that mainly contribute saffron to be a spice with innumerable properties, some of which are: improving learning and memory thanks to the powerful antioxidant activity of crocetine – studies on mice show; prevent gastric ulcer through its essential oil that has antispasmodic properties, reduce the mood swings typical of the pre-menstrual period as saffron is able to raise the levels of dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters; regulate the tone of mood – a study demonstrates how saffron integration significantly improved the symptoms of depression in adults with greater depressive disorder (the effects were comparable to those obtained with antidepressants); fight free radicals by the presence of antioxidants that can counteract damage and hence prevent cellular aging.