Makes you sunnier!

Feeling blue? Saffron to the rescue! According to research in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the crimson threads of the blue-violet crocus flower relieve symptoms of mild depression as effectively as prescription meds without the potential side effects. Credit goes to two saffron compounds, crocin and safranal, which raise levels of the “happy” hormone serotonin much the way that Zoloft and Prozac do. ✤ Enjoy the benefit! Sold in most grocery stores and on Amazon.com, just two or three saffron threads are all you need to add bold color and flavor to meat, rice dishes and tagines. Or take a 30-mg. saffron supplement twice daily, such as Swanson Certified Organic Saffron, $16.99, Swansonvitamins.com.