Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes and red wine, may be the beneficial ingredient that underlies the "French Paradox," the longer life and lower incidence of heart disease in countries with regular wine consumption. Resveratrol may alter the activity of two hormones in your body: estrogen and adiponectin. Moderate consumption of resveratrol may reduce cholesterol and blood pressure and aid in the maintenance of a heathy body weight.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found primarily in the skin of red wine grapes. Lower levels can be found in white and rosé wines, peanuts and grapes. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant and may protect cells in your body from damage associated with increased risk of cancer.
Benefits
Resveratrol decreases the ability of your blood to clot, potentially decreasing the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Resveratrol may also reduce levels of cholesterol in your body and reduce the thickening of blood vessel walls associated with heart disease. Though these effects have been suggested by scientific research, few of them have been demonstrated by clinical trials in humans.
Estrogen
Estrogen is involved in more than female reproduction, menopause and osteoporosis. In both men and women, estrogen regulates bone health, blood cholesterol and triglyceride level and increases metabolism. It is important for the health of blood vessels, lungs, skin and other body tissues. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, resveratrol may reduce the problems associated with estrogen levels being either too high or too low.
Adiponectin
Adiponectin is a hormone produced by body fat that stimulates increased use of fat for energy, insulin sensitivity and weight loss. Your levels of adiponectin decrease when you become obese. Low adiponectin levels may contribute to some of the health effects of obesity: Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and metabolic syndrome. A study published in the Jan. 7, 2011, issue of the "The Journal of Biological Chemistry" found that resveratrol increased levels of adiponectin in cultured cells, ScienceDaily reports. It is not yet clear that resveratrol significantly elevates adiponectin in humans.
