Resveratrol: The Antioxidant Supplement

Resveratrol is an antimicrobial substance found in high concentrations in the skin of red grapes, and in red wine. Recently it has been voted as the best anti oxidant ever without any side effects. Resveratrol has been linked to the following health benefits:

- reduction of cancer risk

- protection of the brain cells, reducing risk for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases

- controlling aging of the skin cells

- lowering blood sugar

- fighting diabetes

- increasing the metabolism of fat

- anti-inflammatory effects

- anti-coagulant effects

Resveratrol is said to be the potential solution to the "French Paradox."

This is the term used to describe the phenomenon by which rates of cardiovascular disease in France have remained low relative to those in the rest of the developed world, even though there is a large national consumption of a diet high in animal fat and cholesterol. Of course France also enjoys many of the benefits of the "Mediterranean diet" through its high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, oily fish and olive oil. However, there are good reasons to think that the consumption of red wine may be the real explanation of the apparent paradox.



Many studies have shown that the moderate consumption of alcohol has a significant protective effect on the cardiovascular system, reducing disease by as much as 20-30%.

Because resveratrol is contained principally in the skins of red or black grapes, resveratrol is found in significant quantities only in the darker and richer red wines. However, the amount of red wine needed to obtain adequate amounts of resveratrol for the health benefits are not the recommended amounts for alcohol consumption.



The amount of resveratrol in foods varies widely, but the best sources are peanuts, red grapes, and cranberries. Resveratrol supplements are also now readily available, principally in the form of red wine or red grape extracts, which will also contain other anti-oxidant polyphenols. Manufacturers’ recommended doses will typically provide between 10 and 50 mg of resveratrol, which would require a very high, and potentially hazardous, level of wine consumption to achieve regularly.



For one to achieve the greatest health benefits of resveratrol, a diet containing red grapes, peanuts, and cranberries, with moderate consumption of alcohol is recommended. For optimal health benefit results, the use of Resveratrol supplements may be recommended. As with all other supplements, you should always consult your physician prior to following any supplement regime.



For more information on this topic, please visit: http://agelessnfit.com/2010/09/01/is-resveratrol-the-new-fountain-of-youth/