Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood on the wall of a blood vessel; it originates from the pumping action of the heart and the resistance of blood vessels. The average adult's blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Resveratrol, which is the main polyphenol compound in red wine, can provide benefits to hypertensive people; however, you should not take this supplement -- or any other -- without consulting your doctor first.
Resveratrol: A Potent Antioxidant
The antioxidant polyphenols from red wine, particularly resveratrol, have been studied clinically for their roles in lowering blood pressure. These chemicals suppress the production of free radicals, which are harmful compounds in your body that may damage vessel walls. Damage to blood vessels facilitates the accumulation of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the arteries. These deposits gradually narrow the blood vessels, restricting the flow of blood and causing high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure in Diabetics
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a very common complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Chronic high blood pressure can also lead to permanent renal failure. Evidence continues to accumulate that resveratrol can lower blood pressure in patients with diabetes, according to McCullum-Gomez, Ph.D., Charles Benbrook, Ph.D., and Richard Theuer, Ph.D., from The Organic Center, Colorado.
Therapeutic Dosages
Resveratrol supplements typically contain 10 to 50 mg of resveratrol; however, it is unclear how much resveratrol is required to reap the maximum benefits. In animal research models, daily doses of 500 mg of resveratrol are perceived as being generally safe and have the efficacy to prevent chronic illnesses in humans.
Safety
Resveratrol is unlikely to cause any adverse effects and it shows no toxicity in tests. However, taking resveratrol is not safe for everyone. According to a study at NYU Langone Medical Center, resveratrol can cause growth of breast tissue and possibly breast cancer. Therefore, women who have a high risk of breast cancer should not take resveratrol supplements without a doctor's advice.
References
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Resveratrol; Jane Higdon; March. 2005
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Resveratrol
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Grape Seed; August. 26, 2010
- The Organic Center: Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes; McCullum-Gomez, Charles Benbrook and Richard Theuer; March 2009
- PubMed Health: Hypertension: July 29, 2010
