Saffron

Saffron Simply – What Everyone Should Know

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is one of the most expensive spices in the world, but its value extends beyond just its flavor. Its active compounds, including crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin, offer numerous health benefits. Research suggests that saffron can improve mood, reduce inflammation, and protect against neurological diseases. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s especially important to nurture not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. Saffron provides a natural, safe, scientifically-backed solution for this — and Zinzino Viva+ is a premium supplement that stands out from other products on the market.

Why Is Ensuring Proper Saffron Intake Challenging?

Saffron’s active compounds are sensitive to heat and light, so consuming it as a traditional spice doesn’t always ensure sufficient effectiveness. The amount typically used in cooking (0.1–0.5 g) generally isn’t enough to achieve the desired health benefits. Additionally, differences in quality make it difficult to choose the right product. Cheaper alternatives often contain adulterated ingredients or have low levels of active compounds.
Bioavailability is another challenge: the body isn’t always able to optimally absorb the valuable compounds found in saffron. Therefore, it’s important to select high-quality, standardized extracts or supplements that enhance absorption.

Health Benefits of Saffron – How Does It Affect the Body?

• Mood Enhancement
  • Saffron stimulates serotonin and dopamine production, which can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, improving overall well-being. Clinical studies suggest its effectiveness may be similar to certain antidepressants, with fewer side effects.
• Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
  • Crocin is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the harmful effects of free radicals, protecting cells from aging and chronic diseases.
• Blood Sugar Regulation and Heart Protection
  • Saffron can improve insulin sensitivity and lower high blood sugar levels. It also positively affects blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

How to Use Saffron Effectively?

• High-Quality Spice
  • Choose pure saffron from reliable sources. Avoid overly cheap products, as they often contain dyes or other additives.
• Standardized Extracts
  • Saffron capsules (e.g., 30 mg daily dose) ensure precise intake of active compounds. Ensure the product contains at least 2-3% crocin and safranal.
• Combined with Other Zinzino Supplements
  • Zinzino products don’t just contain saffron; they feature unique formulations that enhance bioavailability. For example, they’re combined with omega-3 fatty acids or other plant extracts to boost effectiveness.
• Incorporating into
  • Diet Use in baked goods, teas, or soups, but add it after cooking to preserve its active compounds.
• Patience and Consistency
  • The effects of saffron take time — consistent consumption over at least 4-6 weeks is recommended for noticeable results.

What Is the Optimal Saffron Consumption?

• For General Health Maintenance: 30–50 mg/day (approx. 1–2 pinches)
• For Therapeutic Purposes: 50–100 mg/day (only under medical supervision)
• Intake above 1.5–2.0 mg/day can be toxic (may cause liver damage, vomiting)
• Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, liver or kidney disease

Benefits of Saffron Supplements:

• Standardized Active Compound Content: High-quality extracts (e.g., Affron®) guarantee appropriate amounts of active compounds, unlike traditional powders.
• Combined Effects: Zinzino Viva+ contains magnesium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, which enhance saffron’s effects.
• Precise Dosage: Capsules allow easy regulation of intake.

Did You Know?

Effectiveness depends on quality and proper dosage — another reason to choose products from reliable sources.

What Sets Zinzino Viva+ Capsules Apart?

Zinzino Viva+ doesn’t contain traditional saffron extract but rather a premium-quality format produced using innovative, patented technology:

• Affron® Technology: Heat-treated Spanish saffron that preserves bioactive compounds.
• Additional Valuable Ingredients:
  • B-vitamins from buckwheat (supports the nervous system)
  • Marine-derived magnesium and iodine (thyroid health)
  • Acerola vitamin C (immune support)
• Scientifically Proven Effects: EFSA-approved components that improve cognitive function and energy levels.

Important: This article does not replace medical advice; always consult a (specialist) doctor before use!

Conclusion – Tracing a Special Plant

Saffron is more than just a spice — it’s a scientifically validated functional ingredient that can help prevent and treat various diseases. Zinzino Viva+’s unique formulation and technology enable effective and safe use while offering higher quality compared to traditional alternatives.

References:

1. Akhondzadeh, S., Fallah-Pour, H., Afkham, K., Jamshidi, A. H., & Khalighi-Cigaroudi, F. (2005). Comparison of Crocus sativus L. and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: A pilot double-blind randomized trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4(1), 12.
2. Lopresti, A. L., & Drummond, P. D. (2014). Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: A systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 29(6), 517–527.
3. Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). Affron® a novel saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) improves mood, stress, and sleep quality in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 245, 913–921.
4. Kashani, L., Raisi, F., Saroukhani, S., Sohrabi, H., Modabbernia, A., Nasehi, A. A., Jamshidi, A., Ashrafi, M., & Akhondzadeh, S. (2018). Saffron for treatment of fluoxetine-induced sexual dysfunction in women: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 33(2), e2650.
5. Pitsikas, N. (2015). Constituents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as potential candidates for the treatment of anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. Molecules, 21(3), 303.
6. Kell G, et al. (2017). Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
7. Zinzino Viva+ Product Study (2022)
8. Research on the Antidepressant Effects of Saffron
9. Components and Technology of Zinzino Viva+

Further Professional Support:

Erika Feller
Holistic Nutrition Consultant, Laboratory Diagnostics Specialist
balanceinfotanacsadas@gmail.com