Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude as we open our doors to loved ones and congregate to savor cherished moments amongst our favorite spreads of food. For many, Thanksgiving is a constellation of content and indulgence, with every year bringing swirls of experiences. Its evolved concept is centered on love and those we share it with. This celebration of tradition is marked with the powerful sensitivity of food, conversation, relaxation and each form of its enjoyment. While markedly elevating, the tradition of feasting can leave us foggy and sluggish. Below are a few tips we have compiled to help you beat the holiday fog so you can enjoy this years' festivities from day to night.

 1. A Double Dose of Serotonin

While Thanksgiving’s centerpiece, Turkey, is protein-rich and high in iron, zinc, and b-vitamins, it is also a source of L-tryptophan, which produces serotonin and melatonin. Including saffron in this years’ recipe may allow you to reap all beloved benefits while bolstering its flavor, meaning you can indulge without fear of post-meal fatigue.

Commonly referred to as “liquid sunshine” for its mood enhancing and euphoric effects, Saffron has held its ground as an A-list ingredient due to its ability to refresh and uplift the body naturally. Saffron is a natural antioxidant that wards off free radicals and enhances the production of essential neurotransmitters.

While saffron has been used for thousands of years as an anti-depressant, saffron is more commonly used today to increase energy, stamina and produce euphoric effects. In its chemical makeup, saffron has been shown to lower the stress hormone otherwise known as cortisol, inducing relaxation and leaving you uplifted with a sense of euphoria. The dynamic coupling of saffron and Turkey may be your secret weapon in lasting cheer.

2. Balance

Get the most out of your meal by using key spices and herbs that will motivate your body to celebrate the holiday while staying healthy and balanced. Dr. Adrian Lopresti believes in an integrated approach to holistic wellbeing that uses spices and herbs, most notably saffron, to support mental health. Within his practice, Dr. Lopresti additionally advocates for the importance of a balanced lifestyle that integrates a healthy diet, sleep, exercise and social connectivity, crucial components of a harmonious Thanksgiving feast.

In his research, Dr. Lopresti has explored the relationship between our gut health and our mental health, a view which holds that our gut health directly influences our mental clarity and overall wellbeing. Functional health practitioner Dr. Will Cole is a firm believer in this relationship, holding that inflammation is a silent deterrent to bodily harmony. "Inflammation is an important bodily process that, when triggered by factors like an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, and toxic exposures can spin out of control,” says Dr. Cole, “Inflammation affects your entire body, and that includes the brain. The consequence of this is often an erratic mood or feelings of anxiety and depression.” Dr. Cole believes that utilizing the power of saffron may ward off signs of inflammation and increase a state of wellbeing, “Saffron has been used to treat depression, elevate mood, increase feelings of happiness and even induce a sense of euphoria.”

 3. Spicing Up Your Holiday Libations

Pair SAFFORIA with your favorite cocktail to stay present and enjoy your table from start to finish. By optimizing glutathione levels, SAFFORIA can help the body metabolize alcohol and toxins at a faster rate so you don’t need to fear that one too many feeling or fret a morning after hangover.

With all-natural ingredients such as potent saffron and black pepper, SAFFORIA can boost mental performance, eradicate brain fog and increase the activity of happiness chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. SAFFORIA is formulated with prized botanics and does not rely on any additives or chemicals to enhance its effects, but all-natural ingredients to restore your mood to a state of happiness and harmonious elevation. Here are a couple recipes that are sure to spice up your Thanksgiving cocktail menu:

 

 

Citrus Salt Rim