Does Resveratrol Work? Read About the Resveratrol Research
We are all on the lookout for ways to improve our health, so when we learn about a new way to stay healthy we are always intrigued. A lot of talk has revolved around Resveratrol, a nutrient found in wine and grape skins. But has Resveratrol research shown it works? There are so many products on the health market these days and related claims in the media, it s hard to know what to believe and what s really good for you. To find out if it s for you, you first need to learn about it.
It is a natural antioxidant compound found most notably in the skin of red grapes and wine, and peanuts. It has garnered attention ever since media reports first noted it as being the reason for the relatively low incidence of heart disease in France, despite their high fat diet. A documentary was created on the topic, pointing the finger at the staple of the French diet - red wine.
But can it really work for you? It s an extremely effective antioxidant. Oxidative damage is the term relating to damage to the body s cells caused by free radicals. This can lead to all kinds of negative effects, such as pain and inflammation, the faster appearance of signs of aging, weakened immunity, and the mutation of cells which leads to the development of cancer. Antioxidants are an important part of protecting yourself from the damage that occurs in your body on a daily basis.
Resveratrol research has indicated that the compound is resistant to the development of cancer and has positive effects on the heart. In laboratory studies using a cell culture, the compound was shown to kill cancer cells and leave healthy cells alone. Resveratrol has also been shown to stunt the growth of cells and tumours in cancer throughout all its stages.
With regards to effects on the heart, resveratrol has been shown to decrease inflammation of the arteries, lower levels of oxidation damage, thin the blood and increase its flow, and stop hardening of arteries.
Many people aren't aware that heart problems often develop because when lipids are damaged by oxidation, they get stuck to the walls of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis - a fatal heart condition. This condition is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, and one of the biggest causes of death in the West.
So how do you get Resveratrol into your diet?
It's difficult to get a large amount into your system because it naturally occurs in such small amounts in wine and other foods. The amount of alcohol you would drink would counteract any positive effects if you tried to get it from wine. Supplements, on the other hand, can contain 20-50mg, which is much more than you could safely get from wine.
The French are thought to benefit because they drink red wine with food, which helps absorb the nutrient. Most of us however would not drink wine with every meal or make it a regular part of everyday life.
Here is an article published in May 2011 you may be interested in reading.
A resveratrol and polyphenol preparation suppresses oxidative and inflammatory stress response to a high-fat, high-carbohydrate meal.
To get these benefits, we need to supplement our diets. Other nutrients in supplements provide synergistic effects, making an excellent addition to your daily diet. Don't hesitate - change your life and health for the better today.
From Resveratrol Research return to Resveratrol Supplements