Resveratrol & Weight Loss

Resveratrol is a polyphenol compound, most prominently reported as the health-promoting chemical in red wine. Polyphenols are antibiotic-like substances that plants produce as protection against microorganisms. While research continues into resveratrol's benefits, studies indicate that it is a powerful anti-oxidant that may offer protection against heart disease, elevated blood cholesterol, inflammation and obesity-related diseases. Because of these promising and continuing studies, resveratrol may offer some benefits to your weight-loss program.

The Effect of Resveratrol on Fat Cells

A promising study presented in 2008 at The Endocrine Society's 90th annual meeting by researchers from Germany's University of Ulm indicated that resveratrol inhibited fat cell formation. The study showed that resveratrol inhibited pre-fat cells from multiplying and maturing. The polyphenol prevented the cells' ability to store fat. It also reduced the production of certain cytokines that may cause obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, clogged arteries and heart disease. This study supported results of a previous animal study that showed resveratrol's protection against obesity-related problems by acting as a calorie restrictor.

The Effect of Resveratrol on Weight Loss

Resveratrol appears to primarily provide protection against obesity and the effects of a high-calorie diet without stimulating weight loss. In a study published in the November 2006 issue of the journal, "Nature," resveratrol showed health improvement and extended the longevity of animal subjects on a high-calorie diet. The polyphenol appeared to regulate genes responsible for energy levels in brown fat and provided resistance to diabetes and obesity. Health improvements were measured by various data, including insulin sensitivity and organ health. The addition of resveratrol to the diet did not, however produce significant weight loss.

Further Studies Needed

After a comprehensive review of thousands of studies on the effects of resveratrol, University of Florida researchers announced in 2011 that much research is still needed on its benefits. Their study, which appeared in "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research," points out that there haven't been enough long-term human studies to examine the polyphenol's effects. However, studies to date are promising in showing that resveratrol appears to have anti-aging, anti-carcogenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol's potential in alleviating obesity and age-related diseases is promising.

Resveratrol in the Diet

Resveratrol is found primarily in peanuts, grapes and wine. Growing conditions appear to affect the concentration of resveratrol in foods. Processing techniques can also reduce the amounts of the polyphenol. Boiled peanuts have a higher concentration than peanut butter. Red grapes have the highest concentration and studies have shown that resveratrol is only found on the skin of the grapes. Because the wine-making process includes grape skins throughout fermentation, wine is high in resveratrol content. Red wine has the highest concentration of resveratrol, while white wine has almost none. Although studies support the potential health benefits of resveratrol, other studies indicate that excess alcohol consumption is detrimental to good health. According to The Harvard School of Public Health, moderate drinking is no more than one drink daily for women and two for men.