Reverse it all with Resveratrol?

Michael-John Wolfe

While the fountain of youth remains a mythical oasis for the aging, we still continue to search for supplements that can help ward off Father Time. Scientists may have found an antioxidant that may yield some pretty amazing results. This antioxidant is called resveratrol and according to some breast cancer researchers, resveratrol just might be able to help slow the process that leads to cancer. In other experiments on lab mice, it has been shown to have some stirring results on a multitude ailments and diseases. So can you "reverse it all" with resveratrol? Initial studies are showing that might just be possible.

Resveratrol is produced by plants and helps to protect them from environmental stresses. Red wine actually has high levels of resveratrol, a large percentage of this comes from the grape skin. The actual grape vine is has even higher resveratrol content which is transported to the skins of grapes to protect against damage from the sun as well as some types of fungus. For years, researchers have stated that red wine can help increase individuals health and possibly their life spans. Resveratrol could be the key to those beneficial results.

Some researchers believe that resveratrol might be the main ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels and reduces "bad" cholesterol. Studies are now being done to see if resveratrol could help patients with diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

While there still needs to be more studies on the side effects of this amazing antioxidant, initial signs point towards many possible uses for resveratrol. Before starting any supplement regimen, be sure and consult your physician. In the meantime, it can't hurt to indulge in your daily glass of Cabernet Sauvignon -- after all you're just drinking it for the resveratrol!

Health Disclaimer. Copyright ©2008. Published with permission.

Supporting Science:

"The combination of resveratrol and quercetin enhances the individual effects of these molecules on triacylglycerol metabolism in white adipose tissue." Eur J Nutr. 2016 Feb.

"The beneficial effects of fruit polyphenols on brain aging." Neurobiol. Aging 2005.

Riche DM, et al. American Heart Association 2012 Scientific Sessions on Blood Pressure Research. Washington, D.C., Sept 19-22 2012.