Could Saffron Improve Your Mood?

It's becoming darker and colder, this naturally it effects our mood. I definitely feel less motivated in the winter months and even going to something as simple as a yoga class can be hard and I have to push myself out of the house despite how much I love it. It's usually about now that I start adding saffron into my routine. I start every morning with a warm glass of water (just boiled) and half a lemon squeezed into it - now with a few saffron strands added.

Saffron is the dried stigma of the crocus lily and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and has known anti depressant activity ... you don't have to be depressed to have saffron - it's great for lifting mood and is just beautiful and tasty in your water.

Warm water with a squeeze of lemon also has numerous benefits. Its great for  your digestive system and acts like a mini detox every morning.

Numerous studies outline the benefits of saffron including a 6 week randomised control trial of 40 adult participants who all showed improvement in feelings of wellbeing. Additional benefits of saffron include it being both anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant.

Positive thinking, exposure to sunlight, exercise and good levels of Vitamin D are all important in keeping you happy this winter!