Heart disease is a serious health problem in the United States. It interferes with daily life in some patients, causes disability in others and leads to death more often than any other disease, according to Medline Plus. Many factors determine your risk for developing heart disease, including genetics, diet and lifestyle. A number of strategies may help lower the likelihood that you will develop heart disease. One of these is consuming foods or supplements that contain resveratrol, a natural compound found in certain foods that may help keep your heart healthy. Resveratrol does not cause any known side effects and is considered safe, although more research is needed. Consult your doctor to determine if consuming resveratrol-rich foods or resveratrol supplements is advisable for you.
Wine
One of the richest sources of resveratrol is wine, especially red wine. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, one 5 oz. glass of red wine contains between 0.3 and 1.9 mg of resveratrol. Rose wine also contains some of the compound, as does white wine. However, because resveratrol is highest in the skin of grapes, more is found in red wine, which is made from a mixture that includes grape skins. Drink wine in moderation, consuming no more than one or two glasses of wine daily, the amount recommended by Medline Plus. Avoid drinking wine if you are pregnant.
Grapes and Grape Juice
Consuming fresh red grapes will also add resveratrol to your diet, as will drinking red grape juice or mixed-fruit juices that contain some juice from these grapes. One cup of red grapes contains between 0.25 and 1.25 mg of reservatrol, depending on the variety, and one 5 oz. glass of red grape juice contains up to 1.3 mg of the compound.
Peanuts and Supplements
Peanuts and products made from peanuts -- such as peanut butter -- also provide some resveratrol. One cup of raw peanuts contains about 0.25 mg resveratrol, while an equal amount of boiled peanuts contains more, about 1.28 mg. Peanut butter also contains a small amount of resveratrol, about 0.1 mg per cup. Supplements containing resveratrol are also available as extracts from some health food stores. However, these are usually not standardized and the Linus Pauling Institute indicates that the effective dose of these products is not yet known.
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