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Resveratrol Information

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in certain plants that is used by the plant to naturally defend itself against disease. Plants such as grapes and berries produce resveratrol to defend themselves against stress, injury, infection, fungus and ultraviolet irradiation. As demonstrated in studies conducted in mice, resveratrol has many potential health applications for humans.

  1. Resveratrol and Cancer

    • According to findings presented by the National Cancer Institute, resveratrol has shown to reduce the incidence of tumors in animals. It works by reducing inflammation and stopping the production of the protein that causes cancer-cell growth.
      Red wine studies have examined the effects of resveratrol on leukemia, skin, breast and prostate cancers. Although further testing is needed, what initially has been found is that resveratrol is a preventative agent in three stages of cancer, including initiation, promotion and progression.
      Research published in the International Journal of Cancer shows that a man's risk of contracting prostate cancer is cut in half by drinking one glass of red wine per day.

    Resveratrol and Diabetes

    • In short, resveratrol may help counter symptoms of type II diabetes and insulin resistance. When the body desensitizes itself to insulin, insulin resistance occurs. This is where resveratrol comes in. Test-tube experiments conducted by the Chinese Academy of Scientists in Shanghai show that the introduction of resveratrol sparks a gene (called SIRT-1) to become more active, which in turn boosts insulin sensitivity.

    Resveratrol for the Heart

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, research which has been focused on red wine and the heart suggest that resveratrol specifically helps protect the lining of blood vessels of the heart. Resveratrol reduces "bad cholesterol" levels in the blood and helps prevent blood clots. Because resveratrol testing is in its early stages and has been limited to mice, more research on resveratrol must be conducted before resveratrol supplements should be endorsed, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    How to Take Resveratrol

    • The easiest way to take resveratrol is to drink red wine. Resveratrol is a polyphenol antioxidant, which is found naturally in the skin and seeds of grapes. When red wine is made, the skins are included, which is why it contains a much higher concentration of resveratrol than white wine. Found naturally in grapes, blueberries, cranberries, peanuts and dark chocolate, resveratrol is also available for purchase in supplement form.

    A Non-Alcoholic Alternative

    • Although MonaVie juice comes sealed in a wine bottle, it is a non-alcoholic, acai-based juice that contains 19 fruits total. In addition to containing high amounts of resveratrol, MonaVie juice contains the highest overall level of antioxidants of any fruit or vegetable ever tested. Sold only online or through a distributor, MonaVie juice is sold in sets of two for $78.

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