Resveratrol

What Is Resveratrol?

You likely have heard of the heart health benefits of red wine, as put forth by the French paradox, a theory that examines the paradoxical epidemiological observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of heart disease, despite having a diet rich in saturated fats and red wine. Resveratrol is a powerful plant compound that is found in various berries (cranberry, blueberry, as well as in grape skins, that acts as a powerful antioxidant. This compound is responsible for the purported "health benefits" of red wine. Fortunately, resveratrol supplements are widely available and allow you to fully benefit from this impressive antioxidant, without the negative side effects of regular alcohol consumption.

Indeed, resveratrol supplementation has been linked to many impressive health benefits including; preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaque, protecting brain health and cognitive function, helping to produce more nitric oxide, causing blood vessels to relax, which, in turn, naturally reduces blood pressure and protects cardiovascular health. Just as interesting as it pertains to the heart, resveratrol supplementation has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, so optimizes blood lipid levels, which further contributes to protecting heart health.

Because resveratrol impedes the body’s ability to transform glucose into sorbitol, supplementation has also been linked to optimizing blood-sugar metabolism, and the may offer support for conditions such as, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.

Health Benefits of Resveratrol

• Potent Antioxidant
• Protects Heart Health
• Safeguards the Brain
• Supports Optimal Capillary Health

Who Benefits From Resveratrol?

Practitioners may recommend resveratrol to help boost antioxidant protection, as well as to help prevent coronary artery disease and keep cognitive health in check. Resveratrol is also frequently suggested as an anti-aging supplement, to those with blood sugar metabolism issues, or a family history of insulin resistance and diabetes.

Resveratrol Supplement Benefits

Potencies

Resveratrol supplements are typically available in 50-100 mg potency, and the recommended daily dose can go up to 1,500 mg daily depending on the purpose of use. Higher doses of up to 2000-3000 mg daily have safely been used and may also be recommended on a case-by-case basis.

Forms

The majority of resveratrol supplements in North America feature extracts from Japanese knotweed roots. Supplements may also come from red wine extracts and grape extracts (Vitis vinifera).

Formats

Resveratrol may be purchased in capsules, tablets, lozenges, and powder form. Resveratrol is also frequently added to antioxidant blends, multivitamins, and a range of other combination formulas.

Choosing The Right Resveratrol Supplement For You

Trans-resveratrol is one of the two isomers of resveratrol and is the active ingredient in resveratrol supplements. However, resveratrol supplements may contain variable amounts of trans-resveratrol, so look for labels that list the actual content of trans-resveratrol for optimal benefits.