Saffron milk can lower your risk of colon cancer!

Find out how saffron can help you lower the risk of colon cancer.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that processed meats are one of the causes of colorectal cancer. The cases of colon or colorectal cancer are on a rise in India, which usually affects people over 50 years of age. While heredity is one of the main causes, poor diet is a major cause too. A healthy diet and lifestyle is the key to prevent most diseases and conditions. Regular health check-ups are also vital for early detection, making treatment easy and increasing your chances of recovery. Vitamin D is effective in keeping colorectal or colon cancer at bay and so is the golden spice saffron.

Saffron for lowering the risk of colon cancer -- really?

Studies ^[1][2][3] have indicated that saffron has the potential to prevent colorectal cancer. Crocin, one of the components of saffron, has shown anti-proliferative activity on the colorectal cancer cells. This important component helps retard the spread or division of the cancer cells in the surrounding tissue. The study was conducted on three different colon cancer cells and the component crocin showed different levels or activity on these cells, inhibiting their spread. The anthocyanin, lycopene and carotene present in saffron also show anti-tumor effects. Another compound, carotenoid, with its antioxidant properties acts as free radical scavenging agent to keep various cancers at bay. You can also try this natural remedy for colorectal cancer.

How to use saffron?

It is an expensive spice and cannot be used liberally. A few strands of saffron can be used to flavour milk or desserts. It can also be added to stews and curries for a rich aroma and flavour. The strands need to be soaked in warm milk or water before adding them to any recipe. You can even add cranberries to your diet to prevent colon cancer.

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References:

1. Aung, H. H., Wang, C. Z., Ni, M., Fishbein, A., Mehendale, S. R., Xie, J. T., ... & Yuan, C. S. (2007). Crocin from Crocus sativus possesses significant anti-proliferation effects on human colorectal cancer cells. Experimental oncology,29(3), 175.
2. Garc-Olmo, D. C., Riese, H. H., Escribano, J., Onta n, J., Fernandez, J. A., Ati nzar, M., & Garc -Olmo, D. (1999). Effects of long-term treatment of colon adenocarcinoma with crocin, a carotenoid from saffron (Crocus sativus L.): an experimental study in the rat. Nutrition and cancer, 35(2), 120-126.
3. Bajbouj, K., Schulze-Luehrmann, J., Diermeier, S., Amin, A., & Schneider-Stock, R. (2012). The anticancer effect of saffron in two p53 isogenic colorectal cancer cell lines. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 12(1), 69.