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Saffron vs. Safflower — Health Impact and Nutrition Differences

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Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on July 07, 2023
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan
Saffron
vs
Safflower

Summary

Saffron contains more fiber and carbs, while safflower is higher in fats and proteins. Safflower seeds are naturally higher in B-complex vitamins. In contrast, saffron is higher in vitamins A and C. 

Saffron has more iron, calcium, manganese, and potassium. At the same time, safflower is higher in magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus.

Introduction

Saffron is the world's most expensive spice due to its labor-intensive harvesting method.

Talking about saffron, it's important to mention that it can be real or high-quality and fake or low-quality. Fake or poor quality saffron is safflower, sometimes called bastard saffron, poor men's, or false saffron. Many people may mistakenly use safflower instead of saffron.

The main differences between saffron and safflower and their impacts on health will be provided in this article.

What's The Actual Difference?

Saffron has a bitter taste and sweet aroma. Safflower has a mild sweet taste and almost no aroma. Besides, you need a pinch of saffron to give the food a rich yellow or orange color, whereas you will need to use more safflower for a similar effect.

Saffron has a more delicate color compared to safflower. High-quality saffron has deep red trumpet-shaped threads or stamens. Safflower or fake saffron consists of thistle-like petals instead of threads when comparing these two. The petals of safflower can vary in color in different shades of red.

Varieties

Saffron (Crocus sativus) belongs to the Crocus genus, related to ginger. The common saffron type is the Persian saffron, native to Ancient Persia. Saffron is the stigma of the plant flower.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) belongs to the Carthamus genus. This herb produces two types of oil: one is high in monounsaturated oleic fatty acid, and the other is high in polyunsaturated linoleic fatty acid.

Uses

Saffron is used in medicine, culinary, as well as for dyes such as food coloring and cosmetics.

Saffron works great with rice dishes, stews, soups, and salads. Some of the dishes are bouillabaisse, Spanish paella, Tachin (Persian saffron rice), chicken and corn soup, Milanese risotto, some cakes, Swedish buns, rice pudding, spaghettoni, and others. One of the healthiest things to make from saffron is saffron tea.

Safflower is mostly cultivated for its seeds to make safflower oil. However, it can be used as a replacement for saffron, as a food coloring, and as tea as well. 

Safflower is not the best saffron substitute if the taste matters, as safflower, has a mild taste and almost no aroma. Still, the blandness makes safflower a better choice for someone who doesn't like the taste but likes the color. 

Safflower can be used along with saffron as well to use less saffron and save money.

Nutrition

The nutritional values are presented for saffron and dried safflower seeds.

A nutrition infographic at the bottom of this page visually shows the main differences between safflower and saffron. 

Macronutrients

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Carbs +90.6%
Contains more Water +111.7%
Contains more Protein +41.6%
Contains more Fats +557.3%
Equal in Other - 5.46
11% 6% 65% 12% 5%
Protein: 11.43 g
Fats: 5.85 g
Carbs: 65.37 g
Water: 11.9 g
Other: 5.45 g
16% 38% 34% 6% 5%
Protein: 16.18 g
Fats: 38.45 g
Carbs: 34.29 g
Water: 5.62 g
Other: 5.46 g
Contains more Carbs +90.6%
Contains more Water +111.7%
Contains more Protein +41.6%
Contains more Fats +557.3%
Equal in Other - 5.46

Comparing these spices, we can see that saffron contains more fiber and carbs, while safflower is higher in fats and protein.

Both contain no cholesterol.

Vitamins

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
Contains more Vitamin A +960%
Contains more Vitamin C +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +911.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +55.4%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +56.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +15.8%
Contains more Folate +72%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 32% 0% 0% 270% 29% 62% 28% 0% 234% 70% 0% 0%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 3% 0% 0% 0% 291% 96% 43% 242% 270% 120% 0% 0%
Contains more Vitamin A +960%
Contains more Vitamin C +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +911.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +55.4%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +56.4%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +15.8%
Contains more Folate +72%

Safflower seeds are naturally higher in most vitamins than saffron. Safflower contains more B-complex vitamins: vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9 (folate). On the other hand, saffron has more vitamins A and C.

Both lack Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin B12. In addition, safflower has no Vitamin C.

Minerals

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Calcium +42.3%
Contains more Iron +126.5%
Contains more Potassium +150.9%
Contains more Manganese +1310.5%
Contains more Magnesium +33.7%
Contains more Phosphorus +155.6%
Contains less Sodium -98%
Contains more Zinc +363.3%
Contains more Copper +432.6%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 34% 417% 189% 108% 153% 20% 30% 110% 3706% 31%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 24% 184% 253% 276% 61% 1% 138% 583% 263% 0%
Contains more Calcium +42.3%
Contains more Iron +126.5%
Contains more Potassium +150.9%
Contains more Manganese +1310.5%
Contains more Magnesium +33.7%
Contains more Phosphorus +155.6%
Contains less Sodium -98%
Contains more Zinc +363.3%
Contains more Copper +432.6%

Both saffron and safflower are packed with minerals, but mineral amounts differ. Saffron has more iron, calcium, manganese, and potassium than safflower. On the other hand, safflower is higher in magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus and contains less sodium than saffron.

Glycemic Index

No information is provided about the glycemic index values of saffron and safflower.

Acidity

There is no information provided about the pH of these foods as well.

However, the PRAL value or potential renal acid load value is calculated for these foods. The PRAL value shows the acidifying effect of the given food on the host's body. 

The PRAL value of saffron is -29.6, making it base-producing, whereas the PRAL value of safflower is 7.1 making it acid-producing.

Diets

Saffron is a better choice for low-calorie and low-fat diets. On the other hand, safflower is the preferred choice for a low-carb diet.

Saffron is not strictly keto-friendly, but it can still be consumed in moderation during the keto diet. 

As mentioned before, the two types of safflower produce either high oleic or high linoleic oils, and during the keto diet, high oleic safflower oil is the preferred choice. Safflower seeds are keto-friendly as well.

Safflower oil may be consumed during the DASH and Atkins diets. 

Saffron and high oleic safflower oil can be consumed during the Mediterranean diet.

Health Benefits

Diabetes

According to research, safflower oil may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood cholesterol and sugar levels in obese postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. What's more, safflower oil may reduce abdominal fat and increase muscle tissue in this group of women after 16 weeks, as it contains a polyunsaturated fatty acid called linoleic acid (1).

On the other hand, saffron may also be beneficial for type 2 diabetes. Research shows that hydroalcoholic saffron extract may significantly improve blood glucose control by lowering serum FBS levels in type 2 diabetic patients. However, more research is required (2).

Anti-inflammatory Effects

According to studies, safflower is an excellent source of polyphenolic compounds. These compounds inhibit nitric oxide synthase's pro-inflammatory activity and have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant effects (3).

On the other hand, saffron also contains antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory effects. This plant contains kaempferol, a compound that may help to reduce inflammation (4).

Weight Loss

In one eight-week study, women who took saffron supplements felt more satiated and lost significantly more weight than women in the placebo group.

Other research shows that saffron extract may help people with coronary heart disease by lowering body mass index, total fat mass, and waist circumference. The study found that people taking the supplement also had decreased appetite. Cooking saffron is an easy way to add it to your diet without the increasing risk of snacking (5).

Cancer

Saffron is an excellent source of potent antioxidants, including crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which help fight against oxidative stress and free radicals. Free radicals damage human cells, increasing the risk of several types of cancers. Besides, mentioned antioxidants can contribute to the death of cancer cells and reduce angiogenesis (6).

Research shows that safflower seeds inhibit the proliferation of human cancer cells, particularly breast cancer cells (7).

Cardiovascular Health

According to studies, saffron may help to reduce blood pressure and provide protection against heart disease. In addition, several components of saffron may reduce the possibility of "bad" LDL cholesterol causing tissue damage (8).

Safflower oil is rich in oleic acid, which has many health benefits. Research shows that taking 1.5 tbsp of safflower oil daily for 16 weeks may be effective in lowering your risk of heart disease. However, more research is needed (9).

Aphrodisiac Effect

Research has shown that saffron has aphrodisiac effects, especially in people taking antidepressants. According to a study, a daily intake of 30 mg of saffron for four weeks may improve erectile function compared to a placebo in men with erectile dysfunction.

In addition, an analysis of six studies found that saffron supplementation significantly improved erectile function, libido, and overall satisfaction but did not improve sperm performance (10).

Digestion & Liver

Crocin found in saffron may show beneficial effects on patients with gastritis, peptic ulcer, and inflammatory bowel disease; curcurin shows similar effects in patients with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. The hepatoprotective activity of saffron is mainly due to its antioxidant properties (11).

Safflower seed powder shows hepatoprotection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common liver disease (12).

Neurological & Mental Health

Several studies have shown that saffron is as effective as Donepezil in the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Saffron may reduce neurodegeneration, improve learning ability and cognitive functions, and enhance memory (13).

In animal and human studies, saffron has shown anticonvulsant activities (prevention of seizures) and reduced withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome occurring in people who have a psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs (14).

Saffron may reduce anxiety and depression symptoms (15, 16). It has a significant effect on the severity of depression (17).

A study on 22 healthy elderly women and men shows that safflower oil can enhance memory performance and attention without enhancing blood sugar levels (18).

Ocular Health

Daily intake of 30mg saffron for 6 months may result in a significant improvement in retinal function in patients with age-related macular degeneration over the mid-term (19). Short-term saffron supplementation may improve retinal flicker sensitivity in patients as well (20).

Skin Health

Safflower seed oil, along with other vegetable oils, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin and helps in wound healing and repairment of the skin barrier (21). It has antimicrobial and antifungal properties as well (22).

Safflower seed oil and its active compound acatecin inhibit ultraviolet-induced skin photoaging and may have the potential as an anti-wrinkle agent as well (23).

According to an animal study, safflower water extract may improve skin condition in systematic scleroderma patients due to reduced inflammatory response (24).

Downside and Risks

Small amounts of saffron are mainly safe to consume. However, too much consumption of saffron can cause an allergic reaction, vomiting, dizziness, and yellowing of the skin.

People with bleeding disorders who have had surgery should avoid excessive consumption of saffron. It can thin the blood and slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding (25, 26).

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Last updated: July 07, 2023
Medically reviewed by Arpi Gasparyan

Infographic

Saffron vs Safflower infographic
Infographic link

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains less Saturated Fat -56.9%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +1030.1%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +1265.4%
39% 11% 51%
Saturated Fat: 1.586 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.429 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 2.067 g
10% 13% 77%
Saturated Fat: 3.682 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.848 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 28.223 g
Contains less Saturated Fat -56.9%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +1030.1%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +1265.4%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Saffron Safflower
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Sugar Equal
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in minerals Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Saffron Safflower Opinion
Net carbs 61.47g 34.29g Saffron
Protein 11.43g 16.18g Safflower
Fats 5.85g 38.45g Safflower
Carbs 65.37g 34.29g Saffron
Calories 310kcal 517kcal Safflower
Fiber 3.9g Saffron
Calcium 111mg 78mg Saffron
Iron 11.1mg 4.9mg Saffron
Magnesium 264mg 353mg Safflower
Phosphorus 252mg 644mg Safflower
Potassium 1724mg 687mg Saffron
Sodium 148mg 3mg Safflower
Zinc 1.09mg 5.05mg Safflower
Copper 0.328mg 1.747mg Safflower
Manganese 28.408mg 2.014mg Saffron
Selenium 5.6µg Saffron
Vitamin A 530IU 50IU Saffron
Vitamin A RAE 27µg 3µg Saffron
Vitamin C 80.8mg 0mg Saffron
Vitamin B1 0.115mg 1.163mg Safflower
Vitamin B2 0.267mg 0.415mg Safflower
Vitamin B3 1.46mg 2.284mg Safflower
Vitamin B5 4.03mg Safflower
Vitamin B6 1.01mg 1.17mg Safflower
Folate 93µg 160µg Safflower
Tryptophan 0.183mg Safflower
Threonine 0.586mg Safflower
Isoleucine 0.717mg Safflower
Leucine 1.154mg Safflower
Lysine 0.534mg Safflower
Methionine 0.284mg Safflower
Phenylalanine 0.806mg Safflower
Valine 1.025mg Safflower
Histidine 0.452mg Safflower
Saturated Fat 1.586g 3.682g Saffron
Omega-3 - DPA 0.006g Saffron
Monounsaturated Fat 0.429g 4.848g Safflower
Polyunsaturated fat 2.067g 28.223g Safflower

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Saffron Safflower
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
60%
Saffron
89%
Safflower
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
479%
Saffron
178%
Safflower

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Saffron
Saffron is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 2.096g)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Safflower
Safflower contains less Sodium (difference - 145mg)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Safflower
Safflower is lower in glycemic index (difference - 70)
Which food is cheaper?
Safflower
Safflower is cheaper (difference - $1.4)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Safflower
Safflower is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food contains less Sugar?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sugar ( g)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Saffron - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170934/nutrients
  2. Safflower - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170558/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.