Why Nutravision Uses the World's Most Expensive Spice - Saffron
Harnessing the historic power of saffron with advanced nutraceutical technology for superior efficacy.
Saffron is a spice revered for centuries in Ayurvedic and Persian medicine for its remarkable range of health benefits. It has been traditionally used as a powerful antioxidant, aiding in the fight against oxidative stress and supporting overall health.
Today, thanks to cutting-edge nutraceutical technology, we can harness the full potential of this ancient remedy. Enter affron®—a modern saffron supplement designed to deliver exceptional results.
In this article, we'll explore the health benefits of saffron, the innovation behind affron®, and why it stands out as the superior saffron extract on the market.
What Is Saffron Good For?
Saffron’s amazing healing abilities come from a potent combination of carotenoids, including crocin and crocetin, bioactive antioxidants known as lepticrosalides, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These particular bioactive compounds, only found in saffron, provide impressive general health benefits, especially with increasing age. These include:
- Stress response: Saffron is a natural adaptogen that helps to calm the mind and reduce the impact of mental stress on the body and the heart.
- Cognitive health: There is now exciting research demonstrating the efficacy and safety of saffron and its constituents for cognitive function, mood, and other neurological outcomes
- Cardiovascular health: Saffron lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL - ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels, helps maintain a healthy lipid profile and supports healthy fasting sugar and HBA1c levels
“Consuming saffron was associated with decreased risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality.” Dr Maryam Hashemian, Journal of the American Heart Association, 2019
Saffron's eye health benefits are no less exceptional. Saffron is one of the rare botanicals that offers clinically proven support for the macula, retina and optic nerve.
- Macular function: Research has shown that carotenoids in saffron, including crocin and safranal, are able to reduce oxidative stress at the retina and support macular function.
- Retinal health: Saffron also helps to strengthen the blood vessels in the retina, reducing fluid leakage and supporting retinal health.
- Optic nerve support: In those in whom eye pressure control is crucial for optic nerve function, saffron has been identified as being able to significantly assist with eye pressure reduction.
The Evolution of Saffron Supplements
While saffron has long been recognised for its health-promoting properties, the challenge has been in maximising its efficacy and bioavailability. The affron® saffron extract represents a leap forward in saffron supplement technology.
Many saffron extracts on the market lack the rigorous scientific backing needed to guarantee their effectiveness. Unlike generic saffron supplements, affron® is the first saffron extract on the market supported by pre-clinical and clinical studies that validate its benefits and superior bioavailability.
Why Is affron® the Best Saffron Supplement?
1. Pure and Potent
Developed with a patented low-temperature proprietary production process, affron® maintains the highest levels of purity and potency. This process (registered as AFF® ON Cool-Tech) preserves the integrity of the active compounds extracted from the saffron stigmas. This ensures that you receive a saffron extract of superior quality and potency with zero chemical use and less energy use. It is also why affron® is recognised as the reference standard for commercial saffron extracts.
2. Superior Bioavailability
One of the key factors that set affron® apart is its superior bioavailability.
Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which the active compounds in a supplement are absorbed and utilised by the body. affron®'s advanced production process ensures that its active compounds are highly bioavailable. It has an impressively rapid absorption rate, showing clinical effects after just one hour, meaning you get the maximum benefit from each dose.
3. Scientifically Validated
affron® is the first saffron extract to be backed by peer-reviewed clinical trials. These studies provide strong evidence of affron®'s efficacy, confirming its benefits for stress response, mood, sleep and menopause at the clinical daily dose of 28 mg. We chose an optimal dose of 30 mg for the Nutravision supplement to align with the scientific evidence on saffron and eye health.
Summary
With its superior bioavailability and scientifically validated efficacy, affron® stands out as the superior choice for those seeking the full benefits of saffron. As a key ingredient in Nutravision, affron® exemplifies our commitment to quality and efficacy, ensuring your eyes and body receive the best natural care.
affron® in Detail
Source |
Saffron stigma |
Organic Limits |
Generic and standard saffron extracts comes with no guarantee of origin, traditional harvesting and levels of bioactive compounds. |
Cost |
250x standard saffron extract |
Technology |
Qualitative and quantitative composition bioactives. Saffron extract: Lepticrosalides® > 3.5% (crocins >3.5%, safranal 0.03%) by HPLC- DAD. Lepticrosalides® is a complex of bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant properties and health benefits of affron®. |
Region |
Castilla-la-Mancha region, Spain |
FAQs About affron® and Saffron
Q: Why is saffron so expensive?
A: Saffron holds the title of the world's most expensive food item due to the meticulous and labour-intensive harvesting process, which is performed entirely by hand. It takes approximately 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce just one pound of saffron! Yet, its price is justified by its unmatched potency and wide-ranging health benefits.
At Nutravision, we use affron®, a highly peer-reviewed saffron extract, which costs 250 times more than standard saffron extracts, reflecting its superior quality and effectiveness.
Q: Where does saffron come from?
A: Saffron is sourced from various regions across Europe, including Spain, Italy, and France, as well as from India and the Middle East. The prized saffron extract, such as affron®, is derived from the harvested and dried stigmas of the crocus flower, a labour-intensive process that ensures its high quality.
Q: Does taking saffron extract have any side effects?
A: Saffron extract is generally considered very safe when consumed within the recommended daily dosage. However, it's worth noting that saffron may lower blood pressure and glucose levels. Therefore, individuals with pre-existing conditions should consult with their health professional when supplementing with saffron.