Resveratrol is a polyphenolic antioxidant known as a phytoalexin, which is a natural antibiotic substance that protects plants from pathogens such as bacteria and fungi. The fat-soluble antioxidant has been shown to increase the life spans of yeast, worms, fruit flies, fish and mice. Besides promoting longevity in humans as well, resveratrol may be beneficial in decreasing the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Natural sources of resveratrol include Japanese knotweed, grapes, berries and peanuts.
Japanese Knotweed
Also known as Polygonum cuspidate, Hu Zhang, and/or kojo-kon, Japanese knotweed is the most abundant source of resveratrol. Red wine grapes, another source of resveratrol, have their place in a healthy lifestyle because they are loaded with polyphenol antioxidants. However, Japanese knotweed has been utilized as a less expensive source of resveratrol for many of the supplements currently on the market.
Grapes
Red grapes are a potent source of resveratrol. Red wine contains resveratrol because of the fermentation process, during which the grape skins make contact with the developing wine. Since resveratrol is a natural defense mechanism against plant pathogens, commercially grown grapes will contain far less of the compound due to the use of pesticides. Factors that determine the concentration of resveratrol in grapes include geographical region of origin, exposure to fungi and other cultivation factors. Purple grape juice also contains resveratrol; however, it occurs in lower concentrations than in red wine.
Peanuts
Peanuts are a practical whole food source of resveratrol. However, they are a far less concentrated source of resveratrol than grapes and/or Japanese knotweed. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that one cup of raw peanuts contains at most 0.26 mg of reseveratrol. By comparison, one cup of red grapes contains 1.25 mg. Interestingly, one cup of boiled peanuts contains 1.28 mg, a comparable amount to grapes.
Berries
Deep blue, red and purple berries also contain resveratrol in smaller, varying amounts. Berries belonging to the Vaccinum species, including blueberries, bilberries and cranberries, contain the highest amounts of resveratrol. The optimal dosage and source of resveratrol for human consumption is unknown, as more research is needed.
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