Resveratrol

What is Resveratrol?Resveratrol is a popular natural remedy said to offer a broad range of health benefits. Found occurring naturally in the skin of red grapes, Resveratrol is available in supplement form.

Research shows that Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory while greatly reducing the effects of “Free Radicals”. A number of laboratory and animal-based studies suggest that Resveratrol may provide certain health benefits.

Resveratrol has also been shown to slow the aging process, promote longevity and aid weight loss when tested in mammals.

Studies indicate that Resveratrol may help in the treatment or prevention of the following conditions:

  •  atherosclerosis (clogging or blocking of the arteries)
  •  certain forms of cancer
  •  heart disease
  •  high cholesterol
  •  hypertension (high blood pressure)
  •  inflammation

Where Does Resveratrol Come From?

Originally discovered as an ingredient in Red Wine, Resveratrol occurs naturally in grapes and the roots of certain plants, most notably the Japanese Knotweed or Polygnum Cuspidatum.

Is All Resveratrol the Same?

Red Grape 2This is an easy question to answer with an emphatic No !

If you are considering buying a Resveratrol supplement – and there is good reason that you should – be very aware of the source, quality and purity of the ingredient.

Most supplements are made from synthetic product or are diluted with fillers to bulk out the product. Even in so-called pure varieties the concentration may vary by as much as 10 or 20 times requiring much higher doses to achieve the same results. Do not be misled by the labels. 500 or even 1000 mg is not always equivalent to even 50 mg of 98% pure organic Resveratrol.

Does Reveratrol Cure Cancer?

A report published in 2011 by the New York Academy of Sciences shows some promising results and several other preliminary studies suggest that Resveratrol may have cancer fighting properties. Tests in the laboratory and very limited tests on humans have shown beneficial results in the treatment and prevention of a wide range of cancers including breast, esophageal, skin, gastric, colon, prostate, pancreatic and leukemia.

Despite these positive findings, the American Cancer Society cautions that randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the cancer-fighting effects of Resveratrol. Anecdotal evidence and testimony suggests that the progression of a wide variety of cancers may be slowed or halted.

Does Resveratrol Promote Weight Loss?

In a recent study on Resveratrol and Weight Loss scientists found that Resveratrol may stimulate the expression of adiponectin (a hormone shown to possess anti-obesity properties and fight insulin resistance). Published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in 2011, the study tested the effects of Resveratrol on cells in animal models.

Previously published test-tube and animal-based studies show that Resveratrol may help speed up metabolism and counteract the formation of fat cells.

Will Resveratrol Prevent Heart Disease?

A 2010 report from Molecular Aspects of Medicine suggests that Resveratrol shows potential in the treatment of heart disease. Sizing up the available research on Resveratrol and cardiovascular health, the report’s authors noted that Resveratrol may help decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, prevent hardening of the arteries and keep blood pressure in check.

Will Resveratrol Make Me Look Better?

Preliminary research indicates that Resveratrol may fight skin damage caused by ultraviolet light. For instance, a 2005 study from The FASEB Journal found that Resveratrol may protect against aging when applied directly to the skin.

Why is Resveratrol Called “The Miracle Drug”?

New studies are constantly finding other diseases and symptoms that react positively to treatment with Resveratrol. Studies have been published that indicate beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other Neuro Degenerative Diseases by large reductions in brain plaque in the hypothalamus, striatum and medial cortex (by as much as 90%). It has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Will Resveratrol make me Live Longer?Laboratory studies in Mammals showed life extension of up to 40%. It will be generations before these results can be replicated and shown to be similar in the human population, but the scientific indications are that Resveratrol may have a positive effect on longevity.

What Dose of Resveratrol Should I Take?

The answer to this is “it depends…” If you are taking the purest most concentrated 98% Resveratrol then 50 mg once per day will be ideal for maintenance with 100 mg being the recommended dose for weight loss or when recovering. If you are taking the less-potent or synthetic variety generally found on line or over the counter then much larger doses (sometimes 500 or even 1000 mg) will be needed to obtain a benefit which, even then, may not be similar.