Natural Factors RegenerLife Resveratrol 500mg - 60 V-Caps

RESVERATROL

By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor and a Holistic Nutritionist

Resveratrol is a nutrient found in common foods such as red wine, grapes, peanuts and some berries, including blueberries, bilberries and cranberries...

As one of the most prevalent anti-aging supplements, resveratrol is an active polyphenolic nutrient found in common foods such as red wine, berries, and the skins of other brightly coloured fruits. In addition to its anti-aging benefits, resveratrol has been found to protect the cardiovascular system, reduce the risk of cancer, and balance female hormones.

Anti-Cell Growth

Animal studies on resveratrol showed dramatic results for reducing the incidence of cell growths, by acting directly on abnormal cells and causing programmed cell death (apoptosis). These studies showed that the experimental subjects taking resveratrol had far more cell death than those not supplementing during their treatment. These same studies also showed that resveratrol inhibited the proliferation of cell growths, as well as tumour angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels feeding a tumour). The best results in terms of treatment seem to be with cell growths in which the resveratrol can come into direct contact with the affected cells. For this reason, it may be particularly effective for gastrointestinal cell growths, as well as skin cell growths (if applied topically).

Protecting The Cardiovascular System

According to animal studies, resveratrol can also protect the heart and cardiovascular system from damage. These effects come from its ability to maintain the integrity of artery walls and to reduce viscosity of the blood. It has been shown to reduce the risk of clot formation, while it also promotes vasodilation (relaxing of the blood vessels). Resveratrol has also been shown to possess significant anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising option in atherosclerosis prevention. Some researchers believe that resveratrol is responsible for the "French Paradox", explaining why many French people can eat more fatty foods than North Americans, but suffer from fewer incidences of heart attack and stroke. The thinking is that this may be due in part to a higher red wine consumption.

Female Hormone Balancing

Resveratrol has also been shown to possess both estrogenic and anti estrogenic properties, based on the body's own levels and need. Similar to soy products, this may have an application in both estrogen dominant pathologies, as well as in such conditions as menopause, in which estrogen levels are low. In a sense, it helps to balance the body's estrogen levels naturally. 

Antiviral And Antioxidant

There is also some promising research to suggest that resveratrol may inhibit viruses, such as: herpes simplex, varicella, influenza and others. Animal studies have confirmed that resveratrol can prevent and help to reverse free radical damage. Unfortunately, since it is metabolized so quickly, the powerful antioxidant claims may be slightly exaggerated when considered in the complex case of the human body. The antioxidant effect of resveratrol is stronger when stabilized in supplement form.

How Can I Get Resveratrol?

The levels of resveratrol used in all of these animal studies are far beyond levels that can be naturally reached through diet, nor is it safe or practical for people to drink enough red wine on a daily basis to have a significant health enhancing effect. It is for those reasons that supplementation is the preferred method of delivery. Resveratrol can be found as a supplement in both capsule and liquid form, in varying concentrations. These supplements are usually made from Japanese knotweed, a concentrated plant source of resveratrol. Because of this, many supplement companies will advertise that their resveratrol products contain the equivalent of at least 20+ glasses of red wine. It is also important to note that currently there is very little research, based on clinical trials, supporting the efficacy of resveratrol in humans.

Resveratrol – Quick Facts

Food Sources

· Grapes, Peanuts, Blueberries, Cranberries And Bilberries, Red Wine.
Indications
· Cell Growths, Athlerosclerosis, Free Radical Damage/Protection, Viruses

Optimum Dosage

· Unknown. Therapeutic Levels Appear To Be Much Higher Than Can Be Achieved Through Diet Alone.

Works Well With

· Vitamins A, C, E And Selenium, Green Tea, Milk Thistle, Curcumin, Ala, Nac, Coq10

Important Information

· The Combination Of Resveratrol Supplementation And Anti-Coagulant Medications Can Lead To Excessive Bleeding Due To Anti-Platelet Activity. Use These In Combination Under The Supervision Of A Healthcare Practitioner. Avoid Supplementation During Pregnancy.