Resveratrol

BACKGROUND

    Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, has been linked to a range of health benefits, from anti-aging to heart health, and has been the focus of numerous scientific studies.

    Resveratrol is found in the skins and seeds of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and peanuts. However, it is most famously associated with red wine, thanks to the fermentation process that increases its concentration in grape skins.

    The compound was first isolated in 1940 from the roots of white hellebore, a plant used in traditional medicine, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that interest in resveratrol really took off. This was largely due to the “French Paradox,” a term coined to describe the low incidence of heart disease in the French population, despite their love of cheese and butter, which was attributed to their regular consumption of red wine.

 

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BENEFITS

    The health benefits of resveratrol are numerous, but its anti-inflammatory properties are particularly notable. Resveratrol inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines, molecules that promote inflammation, and activates SIRT1, a protein that has been linked to longevity and reduced inflammation.

    The anti-inflammatory benefits of resveratrol don’t stop there. It’s also a hero for heart health, reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a key step in the development of heart disease. It also helps keep blood vessels flexible and reduces the risk of blood clots.

    Its antiviral properties are also quite impressive. Resveratrol exhibits impressive antiviral properties, effectively inhibiting a wide range of viruses, including influenza, by up to 90% in laboratory studies! Its superiority as an antiviral treatment lies in its unique mechanism, which targets host cell functions that are crucial to virus replication rather than directly attacking viral structures or functions. Unlike many approved anti-flu drugs that target the virus itself, resveratrol’s approach makes it harder for the virus to develop resistance over time. In terms of brain health, resveratrol has been found to interfere with the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. It also protects neurons from oxidative stress and reduces inflammation in the brain.

 

TAKING RESVERATROL

    Resveratrol can be taken in a variety of ways. It’s found in foods like red wine, grapes, and berries, but to get a significant amount, you would have to consume them in large quantities. Therefore, many people opt for supplements, which are available in capsule or tablet form. Recommended dosages vary, but most studies have used doses of 150-500 mg per day. It is best to start with a low dose and increase it gradually.

 

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS

    Adverse events with lower doses and shorter courses of treatment are rare. Higher doses (more than 1 g/day) may result in gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Because high doses have been shown to prevent blood clotting in test tubes, it may increase bleeding or bruising when taken with anticoagulant medications, such as heparin or warfarin, or some pain relievers. Resveratrol can be taken with or without food. However, taking resveratrol with fatty foods may reduce the amount that the body absorbs.

    In rare cases, high doses of resveratrol may cause kidney damage.

    Therefore, people with kidney disease should avoid taking resveratrol supplements. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid resveratrol, as there is not enough evidence to determine its safety during these periods.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

    Resveratrol is a fascinating compound with a number of potential health benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties, in particular, make it a promising supplement for combating chronic disease.