All About Resveratrol
We have received many questions about Resveratrol lately and thought we would address them in this manner.
Resveratrol Health Benefits
Why do the French eat more fat, sugar, rich foods, wine and have less heart health issues? It’s called the French Paradox and it is believed to be due to a phytonutrient called Resveratrol, found naturally in wine, cocoa and other berries. It is a powerful antioxidant that regenerates the body at the cellular level.
Medical Research out of the Journal of Circulation 2005 found that resveratrol found in red wine decreases the risk of heart disease. Along with helping build a healthy heart, resveratrol has many other health benefits.
What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is an important ingredient found in cocoa, red grapes and dark berries such as lingonberries, blueberries, mulberries and bilberries. It is a polyphonic bioflavonoid antioxidant that is produced by these plants as a response to stress, injury and fungal infection.
Early research discovered that resveratrol increased the lifespan of yeast cells. Later studies confirmed its amazing benefits as fruit flies, fish, mice and nematode worms also had a longer lifespan when given this amazing bioactive compound.NutraIngredients reported that further studies showed resveratrol had “anti-cancer effects, anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular benefits, anti-diabetes potential, energy endurance enhancement and protection against Alzheimer’s.” Who would not want to benefit from this all-natural elixir?Recent studies by researchers at the Nutrition Research Center at Northunbria University in the UK showed that resveratrol noticeably increased blood flow to the brain, suggesting a considerable benefit to healthy brain function.
What is Resveratrol used for?
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals produced during everyday bodily functions such as eating and exercise. If left unchecked, these can damage cells and are thought to be a cause of life-threatening disease and sickness.
As a source of antioxidants, resveratrol is particularly unique as its antioxidants can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and the nervous system, unlike other antioxidants.
Resveratrol is more than just a powerful brain-booster, it has also been found to:
Provide powerful antioxidant support
Helps the body fight oxidative stress
Supports cell and tissue health
Promotes circulation and a healthy heart
Helps prevent premature aging
Supports a healthy digestive system and elimination
Regular travelers will also be very interested to know that resveratrol helps protect against the effects of radiation, which we are all exposed to, especially if you do not “Opt Out” of the scanners at the airport.
How Does Resveratrol Work?
Resveratrol works by modifying inflammation in the body. It limits the body’s ability to produce sphingosine kinase and phospholipase D, two molecules known to trigger inflammation. Although the body naturally produces inflammation to counter bacteria and viruses as part of the immune system, a state of chronic or constant inflammation is not a healthy state to live with.
Resveratrol has been found to lower insulin levels, which is key to staying young and fighting disease. In trials, Sirtris Pharmaceuticals found that those with diabetes who took resveratrol had lower glucose and insulin levels, making it a powerful aid to a healthy lifestyle.
Resveratrol deeply penetrates the nucleus of each cell, helping to repair any free radical damage to DNA. It keeps the circulation flowing smoothly, prevents arterial damage and is thought to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. It may also prevent other disorders such as stroke, ischemia and Huntington’s disease.
Finally, as a potent antioxidant resveratrol is constantly fighting damage from free radicals and the effects of aging.
How do I take Resveratrol?
Now you know the benefits of resveratrol in your diet, you may be wondering what the best source of this compound is. Although we have mentioned that red wine, cocoa and berries are a good source of resveratrol, unfortunately a diet of dark chocolate and red wine may be decadent but ultimately very unhealthy if you overdo it! The best way to obtain the benefits of resveratrol in balance with a healthy diet and lifestyle is by taking it as a natural supplement.
If you have any questions as to whether you should add this to your health care plan, please call us and we will be happy to assist you.
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Health and Wellness Associates
Archived Article
JM
- Carrothers
312-972-WELL