The potential health benefits of resveratrol have received much media coverage of late and seem to be related in large part to its antioxidant activity. So far, research has been limited to animals rather than humans, but results are promising enough that investors are pushing ahead with research in the hopes that this substance may be developed into a disease fighting, anti-aging wonder drug.
Resveratrol is one of a group of polyphenols – compounds primarily found in red wine, red grape skins, red grape juice, mulberries and in smaller amounts in peanuts. Resveratrol decreases the activity of inflammatory cytokines, which some researchers believe suggests a mechanism for reducing mortality in cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Scientists have shown that it inhibits the replication of herpes simplex virus in laboratory research done mainly on animals. Although the mechanism of this action is not fully known, exposure to this nutrient within one hour of infection appears to be effective in arresting viral growth. Some researchers believe this suggests that resveratrol reduces production of proteins needed to regulate viral proliferation.
Animal studies have also shown that resveratrol may provide many of the benefits of a calorie restricting diet without actually having to lower caloric intake. The possibilities here have researchers encouraged about the potential of developing a pharmaceutical drug which may reduce the effect of age related degenerative diseases – in other words, an anti-aging drug. In the natural health field, some believe that including resveratrol in a high-quality multi-nutrient supplement which contains other research backed substances may also support anti-aging, disease prevention and longevity – and without the need for a prescription.
Possible Health benefits of Resveratrol may include:
- Reducing the risks of atherosclerosis
- lowering cholesterol levels
- protection against heart disease
- preventing cancer
- protection from free-radical damage
- alleviation of menopausal symptoms
Resveratrol in Wine
Resveratrol is found in grapes and other food like cranberries, blueberries and bilberries. In grapes, it is found in high amounts in the skins. The actual amount of this nutrient varies according to grape type and location. In the production of wine, fermentation techniques help determine the actual end amount of resveratrol. alcohol healthy
You may be familiar with what is known as the “French Paradox” . This is the theory that because the people of France tend to eat a diet of high fat foods, consume alcohol and smoke, still their rate of cardiovascular illness is much lower than in other countries in the Western world. The theory is that because the French consume red wine on daily basis this may account for the lower incidence of heart disease. The studies supporting the health benefits of red wine suggest the antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart.
When choosing Resveratrol supplements, make sure you consider the following issues:
It’s important to remember that nutrients tend to work as a team. Some of the research being done on resveratrol and other nutrients treats each nutrient as a drug which will hopefully treat one disease. As a result, many of these studies fail. A high quality multivitamin should provide a balanced selection of nutrients which can work together synergistically to support overall health. This will provide the basic raw materials needed for everyone who wants to maintain optimal health and slow the effects of aging.
Because of loose government regulations and the dizzying number of products available on the market as well as variations in the quality of supplements, this may create obstacles for people trying to locate the best vitamin, supplement or herbs.
Look for manufacturers who adhere to current good manufacturing practices (GMP). Nutritional supplements are loosely regulated as food products within the USA. Compliance to good manufacturing practice standards is strictly voluntary, so it’s important to do your own research to find companies which adhere to GMP.
Consumer lab, an independent consumer research group, has found in their tests that some supplements don’t contain the true amount of ingredients stated on the label, and sometimes they may harbor contaminants. It may take some extra effort, but we believe it’s worthwhile to do your “due diligence” when choosing a nutritional supplements.
A company that produces a resveratrol supplement which meets all of the requirements above is Xtend-Life Natural Products.
Their multivitamin supplement, Total Balance, is the most complete nutritional supplement we’ve found so far. For example, not only does it have more reservatrol than several bottles of red wine, it also contains other important nutrients for heart and overall health like L-carnosine, N-acetyl cysteine, green tea and coenzyme Q10.
Wishing You Good Health – The Editors
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