|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Reservatrol Benefits

Resveratrol is the most active red wine catechin. Catechins are extracted from the skin of red wine grapes. Even though red wine catechins are found in purple grape juice and red wine, the compound is most abundant and active in immature grapes. Research has shown this compound is powerful and has many useful applications for a variety of health issues. However, there are also claims that are not yet fully supported by scientific research in humans.

  1. Cancer Development

    • Resveratrol is a useful anti-cancer supplement. A team of scientists at the University of Chicago wrote in the journal "Science" that resveratrol helps stop three major stages of cancer development. The particular cancers tested were bladder, breast, leukemia and prostate. During the initiation phase of cancer, the body is overwhelmed with carcinogenic substances; resveratrol was shown to halt this first stage. It also stopped the promotion stage in which the tumor releases inflammatory chemicals necessary for it to establish its own supply of nutrients and spread through the bloodstream. In leukemia, it promoted differentiation, the process where the multiplication of cancer cells is stopped and white blood cell counts resume their normal life cycle.

    Cancer Prevention

    • Scientists working in Chung-Ang University in Seoul, Korea, discovered that resveratrol deactivates several forms of the liver enzyme P450, which is necessary to change many chemicals into a carcinogenic form. This finding was confirmed by the National Cancer Institute. The University of Minnesota discovered this compound activates the P53 gene, which is responsible for destroying cells with damaged DNA.

    Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

    • Resveratrol has the ability to slow the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. It also inhibits the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins or LDL's. This is also known as "bad cholesterol." In addition, it blocks platelet aggregation, which helps fight off the formation of clots in blood vessels.

    Anti-Aging/Longevity

    • Resveratrol has recently been touted as an anti-aging supplement. There is preliminary evidence to support this; however, tests have not been done on humans so it is not known if these benefits will translate to people. It is able to activate the cell's defense enzymes, therefore allowing more time to repair damaged DNA.

    Alzheimer's Disease

    • A study done at the University of Basel in Switzerland found that resveratrol offers protection against beta-amyloid, a neurotoxic substance implicated in the cell death that occurs during Alzheimer's disease. It maintained cell viability. This study suggests this compound may offer a neuroprotective effect.

    Considerations for Use

    • Resveratrol is commonly taken in tablet form. Drinking 12-14 ounces of purple grape juice or one daily glass of red wine will produce similar benefits. However, if sugar is restricted in the diet, this is not advised

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles