Resveratrol is a single molecule polyphenol antioxidant found in wine grapes, Japenese knotweed, pine trees, berries, peanuts and chocolate. According to the Life Extension Foundation, resveratrol may help to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many common signs of aging. More human research is required, but preliminary animal studies have been very impressive. Resveratrol may have many practical uses for increasing overall health and wellness.
Anti-Aging
Resveratrol can help to prevent many chronic illness by decreasing cellular inflammation. Inflammation is key to many diseases that cause increased signs of aging. In fact, resveratrol may impact gene expression in our cells to code for longevity. In animal studies, resveratrol has been shown to activate sirtuin proteins that turn on gene signaling for longer life span, according to the Life Extension Foundation. However, the Linus Pauling Institute indicates that more research is needed to conclude if resveratrol has the same effect in humans.
Cardiovascular Health
Resveratrol use may improve endothelial function. The cells lining the blood vessels govern over vasodilation and blood pressure, which is an important factor in cardiovascular health. Atherosclerosis is the build up of plaque within blood vessels and arteries, which can cause high blood pressure and heart disease. Further, the Life Extension Foundation also reports that resveratrol could decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and decrease the heart arrhytmias. By inhibiting platelet aggregation, resveratrol may decrease several risk factors for heart disease simultaneously.
Cancer Prevention
In cell cultures, resveratrol has inhibited the growth of breast, prostate, stomach, colon, pancreatic, and thyroid cancers. In addition, resveratrol has been shown to increase programmed cell death or apoptosis in tumor cells. Such properties could also make resveratrol an effective treatment for cancer when combined with the current conventional anit-cancer treatments available. The Life Extension Foundation reports that several other animal studies have shown resveratrol to be effective in protecting healthy cells exposed to carcinogens.
Improving Metabolic Factors
The Life Extension Foundation reports that resveratrol-treated mice have shown better insulin sensitivity when fed diets high in calories. Risk factors for diabetes were decreased and longevity was improved, as compared to placebo. Resveratrol's means of improving metabolic factors is not well understood. However, theories suggest that increased mitochondria within cells may improve metabolic efficiency and contribute to longevity. Resveratrol has been shown to mimic the effects of caloric restriction, which is the most effective of extending life span in animals.
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