Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant commonly found in red grape skins and thus, red wine. Research on animals suggests resveratrol has positive healthful effects, including preventing heart disease, lowering blood sugar levels, preventing cancer and other anti-aging benefits.
Origin
Resveratrol gained attention in the early 1990s for its association with the "French Paradox." The incidence of heart disease among the French is relatively low even though the French diet contains copious amounts of saturated fat. This low incidence is thought to be because of the consumption of red wine. Researchers sought to prove that red wine, in particular the resveratrol found in red wine, was the key ingredient in preventing heart disease.
Sources
Aside from red wine, resveratrol is found in the skins of other dark fruits, including cranberries, blueberries, strawberries as well as in peanuts, cocoa powder, baking chocolate and dark chocolate. Resveratrol supplements made from Japanese knotweed (polygonum cuspidatum) are also widely available in health food stores.
Uses
Although research is inconclusive, resveratrol is often used in the treatment of high cholesterol, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cancer.
Considerations
Research on the benefits of resveratrol for humans is inconclusive and insufficient to recommend its use, as of 2009. The long-term effects of taking resveratrol supplements are also unknown.
Warning
Increasing consumption of alcohol can have detrimental health effects, including high blood pressure, liver damage and certain types of cancer.
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