Antioxidants help reduce and prevent cell damage and lower the risk of certain diseases. In saffron's case, its antioxidant properties help it to reduce inflammation, a condition that is linked to a host of diseases. "Saffron has potent anti-inflammatory properties which help with conditions such as heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer's, and diabetes," Bishara says. Advertisement These chemicals can help protect the body from many illnesses, Bishara says, including: Alzheimer's disease: Crocin has been shown to help people with Alzheimer's disease by reducing degeneration in the brain. Cancer: Carotenoids have been shown to exhibit protective benefits against cancer and tumor formation and to be protective of cancer treatments like chemotherapy in animal models.