Grapes Containing Resveratrol

You don't have to drink wine to enjoy the health benefits of resveratrol; you can eat the grapes instead. In fact, it is the grape's skin that provides the resveratrol. This particular compound neutralizes free radicals in your body, helping to inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Having too much LDL in your bloodstream can lead to heart complications. Resveratrol has other benefits, as well as potential adverse reactions.

Skin Color Significance

• Red-colored grapes contain the most resveratrol and can contain between 50 mg to 100 mg, according to Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy (NEOCUOM). Likewise, the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University states that red wines contain more resveratrol than white wines (a minimum of 0.30 mg vs. 0.01 mg, respectively, in a 5-ounce glass).

  Resveratrol can be found in all grape products (grapes, grape juice and wine), with the most resveratrol found in wine. Eating grapes provides the next greatest amount of resveratrol. According to Stanford University, you will get the most resveratrol from red or purple grapes and their products.

Benefits

• Resveratrol has many benefits. It is an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory and it prevents cell damage, according to Stanford. It can inhibit cancer cell lines and has been shown to increase longevity in certain animals, according to Linus Pauling. In addition, resveratrol can help to ensure normal cell regulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.

  According to the Linus Pauling Institute at the Oregon State University, cancer cells multiply rapidly and show an aversion to responding to cell death signaling. But resveratrol helps to halt the damaged cells reproduction, making this an important potential benefit still being researched. Another cancer-related benefit of resveratrol stems from its ability to prohibit body cells from being exposed as easily to internal enzymes that have become carcinogenic.

Warning

• Resveratrol can increase the risk for bleeding if high quantities are consumed and the individual is taking such medications as Coumadin, Plavix and Persantine, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

  There also is the potential for adverse interaction with prescribed drugs, but it is believed that a large amount of a resveratrol supplement must be ingested for that to occur. This potential drug interaction could occur with such medications as lovastatin, felodipine, cyclosporine and triazolam., according to the Linus Pauling Institute.