Resveratrol, a natural compound abundant in grapes and red wine, is produced by certain plants to protect themselves against various biotic and abiotic stresses, including fungal, bacterial and viral infections, as well as ultraviolet radiation. Scientists at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition of Iowa State University are investigating resveratrol's potential for warding off chronic illnesses in humans. Cell culture and animal studies suggest that resveratrol inhibits triglyceride deposition and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Talk to your doctor, however, before you decide to take resveratrol supplements.
French Paradox
Shobu Namura, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues at Morehouse School of Medicine investigated a phenomenon called "French Paradox." The risk of heart disease and stroke is lower among French people despite their high-fat diet. The reason for this phenomenon might lie in the resveratrol-rich red wine they drink. Resveratrol behaves like fibrates, a class of triglyceride-lowering drugs. Its triglyceride-lowering action was found accompanied by the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, or PPAR-alpha, in cells. PPAR-alpha is a central regulator of lipid metabolism. Therefore, resveratrol, being a potent PPAR-alpha agonist, helps reduce serum triglycerides and raise "good" high-density lipoprotein.
Improved Lipid Profile
Resveratrol is one of many phenolic compounds, molecules found in fruits and vegetables that reduce triglyceride levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. High triglyceride levels, together with high low-density lipoprotein and low high-density lipoprotein increase your risk for stroke and heart disease. According to a research published online in January 6, 2006 by the American Society of Nutrition Sciences and conducted by Darshan S. Kelley and colleagues, you can improve your blood lipid profile by consuming more red wine, elderberry juice and other foods rich in phenolic compounds like resveratrol.
Protection against Atherosclerosis
Postmenopausal women are at high-risk of developing coronary heart disease than the rest of the population. They experience LDL oxidation and cholesterol deposition inside their vessel walls. This eventually blocks the flow of blood passing through them, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen it needs for normal functioning. Drinking grape juice, which is rich in the antioxidant resveratrol, is known to decrease LDL oxidation. A diet rich in resveratrol seems to have prevented fatty deposits from forming in the aortas of guinea pigs whose ovaries were removed, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut, which was published in the April 17, 2003 edition of journal "The Journal of Nutrition."
Dosage and Safety
Clinical studies have not been performed to adequately confirm the optimum dosage of resveratrol. Based on animal studies, an average daily dose of 500 mg might be potent and safe. Avoid resveratrol if you have a high risk for breast cancer or are a breast cancer survivor because it has estrogen-like effects. There are also no known safe dosages for pregnant or nursing women, children, and those with impaired liver and kidney functions.
References
- Stanford University: Huntington's Outreach Project for Education: A Look at How Resveratrol, a Component of Red Wine, May Be Used to Treat HD; D. McGee and P. Bakhai
- Iowa State University: Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition: Power Foods; Sally Barclay
- Wilkes University; Medical Attributes of Polygonum Cuspidatum - Japanese Knotweed; Joan Spainhour; July 1997
- Morehouse School of Medicine: Research Interests; Shobu Namura
- Postharvest Technology Research & Information Center: Consumption of Bing Sweet Cherries Lowers Circulating Concentrations....; Darshan S. Kelley, et al.; January 6, 2006
- "The Journal of Nutrition": Grape Polyphenols Decrease Plasma Triglycerides and Cholesterol Accumulation in the Aorta of Ovariectomized Guinea Pigs; Tosca L. Zern, et al.; April 17, 2003
