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Resveratrol (resveratrol) is a substance that belongs to compounds called antioxidants or antioxidants. The best natural sources of resveratrol are red grapes, red wines, peanuts, and berries. Read about the benefits of resveratrol and the risks it can cause.
Resveratrol – what is it?
Resveratrol is a polyphenic bioflavonoid antioxidant produced by certain plants and found in foods and beverages that are known to ward off the effects of aging. Resveratrol is classified as a phytoestrogen because of its ability to positively interact with estrogen receptors.
Plants that produce resveratrol and other types of antioxidants actually do so in part as a protective mechanism and response to stressors in their environment, including radiation, the presence of insects or other predators, injuries, and fungal infections. It is now believed that resveratrol is one of the most potent polyphenols and strongest protectors against aging-related symptoms and free radical damage.
Research shows that the most naturally occurring source of resveratrol (not to mention many other protective nutrients, vitamins, and minerals) are plants, including red grape peel, red wine, raw cocoa, and dark berries like blueberry.
Red wine is perhaps the best known source of resveratrol, mainly due to its high levels, thanks to the fermentation process that turns grape juice into alcohol. During the production of red wine, grape juices ferment the seeds and skins of the grapes, which has a positive effect on the level and availability of resveratrol.
The benefits of resveratrol were first discovered when scientists discovered that yeasts and other microbes, insects, and animals fed resveratrol experienced an extension of their lives as a result. Various studies have continued to support its amazing anti-aging properties, shown in studies on fruit flies, fish, mice and nematodes, all of which lived longer compared to controls that were not treated with this phytonutrient.
See: The compound in wine helps kill skin cancer cells
Resveratrol – action
Resveratrol works by modifying inflammation in the body, in addition to having other positive effects on hormone production, blood circulation, and fat storage.
Resveratrol limits the body’s ability to produce sphingosine kinase and phospholipase D, two molecules known to cause inflammation. Studies have shown resveratrol’s ability to suppress the expression and activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes associated with inflammatory reactions that damage tissues throughout the body. Although the body naturally produces inflammation as a treatment and protection measure, such as fighting bacteria and viruses as part of the immune system, chronic or continuous inflammation is not normal and increases the risk of almost any disease.
Resveratrol has been found to lower insulin levels, which is key to staying youthful, having a healthy weight, and fighting diseases like diabetes. Some studies show that people with diabetes who took resveratrol had lower levels of glucose and insulin. Resveratrol also positively affects the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Scientists have observed that BDNF levels are lower in people with type 2 diabetes and other insulin-related problems.
Resveratrol facilitates mitochondrial respiration and gluconeogenesis. In other words, it helps to optimize the functioning of the cell’s power plant (mitochondria), which supplies the cells with energy.
Resveratrol ensures smooth blood flow, preventing damage to the arteries and providing protection for the brain against memory loss and conditions including Alzheimer’s disease. It can also prevent other disorders such as stroke, ischemia, and Huntington’s disease, as well as mental health problems such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism.
Resveratrol has been shown to have a positive effect on vascular endothelial growth factor – in other words, it repairs damaged blood vessels. As it controls the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, resveratrol therefore has advantages in preventing autoimmune diseases. It also appears to positively alter the gut microflora and influence the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells.
Finally, as a powerful antioxidant, resveratrol continually fights damage from free radicals that may increase cancer risk. It deeply penetrates the nucleus and mitochondria of every cell, helping to repair the damaging effects of free radical damage that can alter DNA. It also modulates apoptosis (the destruction of harmful cells) and therefore appears to have anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that resveratrol triggers apoptosis of activated T cells and inhibits tumor growth, as well as having anti-cancer properties.
Read: Cheat immunity. How to fight autoimmune diseases?
Resveratrol – a beneficial antioxidant
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the free radicals produced by the body’s daily activities, such as eating and exercising. Free radical damage is accelerated due to poor lifestyle habits such as smoking, improper diet, and in response to environmental pollution.
Uncontrolled free radicals can damage cells and are thought to cause life-threatening diseases and early death. Wykazano, że spożywanie pokarmów roślinnych bogatych w przeciwutleniacze i składniki odżywcze zapewnia korzyści przeciwutleniające, przeciwnowotworowe, które chronią osoby dorosłe przed wieloma chorobami związanymi z wiekiem.
Read: Antioxidation – why is it important for the body? Antioxidants in the diet
Resveratrol – effects on the cardiovascular system
Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, resveratrol offers protection against atherosclerosis, high levels of LDL “bad cholesterol”, the formation of blood clots and myocardial infarction. Eating more has also been shown to help improve circulation and have beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in some people at higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
Itadori tea, one of the significant sources of resveratrol, has long been used in Asian countries, including Japan and China, as a traditional herbal remedy to prevent heart disease and stroke.
See: Stroke – also affects young ones. What are the consequences of a stroke?
Resveratrol – side effects
While red wine and cocoa are two of the best sources of resveratrol, unfortunately a diet of dark chocolate and red wine can be decadent and ultimately very unhealthy. The best way to get the benefits of resveratrol is through balance and moderation.
We recommend that you consume wine in small amounts, about one glass a day or less; according to most studies, even two glasses a day for men and one a day for women have not been shown to cause any health problems. If you choose to supplement with resveratrol, continue to consume antioxidants naturally derived from a healthy diet.
While a lot of evidence already suggests that resveratrol has many benefits, many experts believe that more research is still needed before we can promote drinking more wine or taking supplements to all adults. Overall, there is support for its positive qualities, but data is still needed to confirm its effectiveness in preventing real human disease.
It is still not fully known how people respond to resveratrol and whether some benefit more than others. For example, people with existing cases of diabetes or metabolic defects may need larger doses than most healthy adults to get the same effects. Talk to your doctor if you plan to take supplements and are already taking other medications.
Resveratrol – price
The price of the product depends on the form in which we buy it. In the form of a powder, a 50 g pack costs PLN 396. The price of the capsules ranges from PLN 12 to PLN 98 depending on the percentage of trans acids. The cheapest form of the supplement is wine essence – 20 ml can be purchased for PLN 25.