Resveratrol Health Benefits

The health benefits of resveratrol are now becoming more well known. Resveratrol’s recent rise to fame can be attributed to several factors –  1)Dr Oz has talked about its health benefits 2)Recent research has proved it is good for your heart. 3)A recent episode of 60 minute was dedicated to it.

So how does resveratrol health benefits work? Resveratrol is a very powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage by harmful oxygen molecules called free radicals. Such cell damage can cause cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and premature aging.

Resveratrol Health Benefits for the Heart

The link between  moderate red wine intake and heart health has been known since the 1970’s. No one knew back then what component of red wine had heart healthy benefits, but much research has gone into finding out.  Some time back, resveratrol was identified as one of the antioxidants in red wine, resulting from resveratrol’s  deep concentration in the skin of red grapes. However it was not until December 2009 that the results of the first human studies of resveratrol health benefits came in, and the news was good! Subjects who took varying doses of a  resveratrol supplement called resVida® all showed an improvement in the ability of their arteries to pump blood. Those who took the highest dosage of 3 x 270mg supplements per week, improved their FMD by as much as 63%! FMD is how wide an artery can expand and then contract for blood flow. Such an improvement in FMD significantly lowered blood pressure levels in those with hypertension. Futhermore, an improvement in FMD dramatically decreases the risk of developing atherosclerosis – a condition that is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Ant-aging Resveratrol Health Benefits
Dr. Westphal reported on 60 minutes that resveratrol might just be the key to slowing down the aging process. In reference to resveratrol benefits, Dr Westphal stated “… I think if we’re on a train heading one direction, we can slow down that train. I think we can slow down these genes that control the aging process.”  The gene in question is called the sirtuin gene. It is normally inactive in humans, but when it does become active it kicks in a survival mechanism known to extend life span. Presently Dr. Westphal is conducting research with colleagues in Cambridge to develop a resveratrol based drug that can activate this longevity gene.

Food Sources of Resveratrol Health Benefits
Red Grapes are the best known source of resveratrol. Making your own homemade red grape juicing recipes is a great way get an abundance of resveratrol. Home made juices are always higher in antioxidants than commercial juices. Other food sources include, blueberries, cranberries and bilberries.

John Edwards

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