Does drinking saffron water help improve mood and blood sugar?

Saffron is an herb that has been proven by many studies to be effective in beautifying and supporting the treatment of some diseases related to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and blood circulation. In particular, ingredients such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, crocin… found in flowers, help reduce inflammation and reduce oxidative damage in the brain.

These substances also help stabilize the nervous system, improve mood and avoid depression. A study published in the American Library of Medicine (2022) shows that crocin, crocetin, and flavonoids can also help lower blood sugar, increase insulin effectiveness, and improve insulin resistance in people with diabetes.

You can use saffron pistils to mix drinks and prepare dishes to help improve your health. However, you should only use 0.1g (about 50 fibers) per day, or 3g per month, as recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In addition, saffron is a precious herb, has a high price, and is easily counterfeited. You should buy from a reputable place with a clear source and stop using it when you have diarrhea, itching, numbness in your limbs, headaches…

To control diabetes effectively, you need to balance your entire diet, increase lots of green vegetables and fruits, and don’t just depend on herbs. Every day, you need to drink enough water, get enough sleep, avoid overusing sweets or eating too salty foods, keep a comfortable spirit, and follow your doctor’s treatment instructions.

People with diabetes are in the group susceptible to shingles. This is post-chickenpox disease, caused by the Varicella zoster virus (VZV). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the VZV virus will exist in the nerve ganglia in a state of hibernation. When the immune system declines due to age, stress, prolonged stress, use of immunosuppressant drugs, chronic diseases, the virus reactivates and causes shingles.

Diabetes can increase the risk of shingles by 24-38%. This is a disease that does not cause epidemics, but can easily cause complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Among them, a common complication of the disease is post-herpetic neuralgia, which easily leads to insomnia and exhaustion.

There is a preventative vaccine for shingles, effective in preventing the disease in 97% of people over 50 years old and 87% in people over 18 years old with immunodeficiency due to disease, reducing more than 90% of post-herpetic neuralgia and other complications. The vaccination schedule includes two injections 1-2 months apart. You can get vaccinated to prevent this disease. Before getting vaccinated, you should carefully consult your doctor.