Resveratrol is a powerful nutrient found primarily in grapes. Also found in peanuts and blueberries, this nutrient is gaining significant acclaim for its unique ability to improve longevity in many types of animals. Researchers are hoping to better understand the many benefits that resveratrol may hold.
Some of the greatest interest in resveratrol right now concerns its link to enhancing longevity. Research on several different animals has consistently demonstrated that significant calorie restriction can lead to a longer life span. In fact, it is the only proven way to substantially improve the length of life. Resveratrol was found to stimulate certain pathway triggers called sirtuins, which are the same messengers activated during calorie restriction [Source: Jiang]. The problem with calorie restriction is that it is very difficult to accomplish without putting a major interference in one’s quality of life. Resveratrol could offer hope to improve longevity without having to feel hungry all of the time. This is particularly important for diabetics who tend to have shorter life spans due to related problems like heart disease, cancer and damage to nerves that follow the insulin resistance. Resveratrol just might help protect against many of these chronic problems, including the main trouble of insulin resistance [Source: Palsamy]. By improving blood sugars and increasing the longevity of the cells of the body, resveratrol may help diabetics obtain an overall improvement in morbidity and mortality.
There are several other possibilities for this natural nutrient. It appears that resveratrol might actually work in several ways to help the body prevent cancer [Source: Jang, Wang, Walaszek]. Resveratrol could also benefit men’s general health and women with a previous history of breast cancer by blocking the over conversion of testosterone to estrogen [Source: Wang]. It could also help the body by blocking the effects of carcinogens and hastening their removal [Source: Walaszek].
Resveratrol’s benefits to the blood vessels are many. It can protect the body from further damage after a heart attack or stroke [Source: Zhuang]. Its antioxidant properties can help the heart during times of decreased blood flow [Source: Huang]. Inflammation, which can play a role in heart disease, as well as cancer and various diseases of the brain, is improved with resveratrol [Source: Rahman, Youn]. The heart might be helped even more by resveratrol’s ability to make the platelets less sticky and prevent damage from cholesterol [Source: Fremont]. By calming inflammation, resveratrol might also help prevent damage to the brain, including diseases like Alzheimer’s, and protect neurons from toxicity [Source: Okawara, Anekonda]. In addition to all of this, resveratrol may even help fight the flu, as it has been shown to decrease replication of the flu virus in animal studies [Source: Folts].
Along with grapes, blueberries and peanuts, resveratrol is present in wine, particularly red wine, which has been presented as potentially beneficial. That being said, red wine only has 100 mcg, or 0.1 mg, of resveratrol per glass [Source: Folts]. The nutrient is also be found in grape juice [Source: Folts]. Individuals who want to get the most out of resveratrol for support for diabetes, heart disease or general health, should consider supplementing 20 mg daily. Various data collected by the Life Extension Foundation suggested 20 mg is enough to supply benefits for the body.
