The Benefits of Resveratrol

Benefits of Resveratrol on 60 Minutes

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:34:04 +0000

The Benefits of Resveratrol

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:23:52 +0000

The benefits of resveratrol, found primarily in red wine, are still being investigated, even though thousands of laboratory studies have been completed.

Resveratrol pills are now available as a health supplement and the compound is included in a few of the better daily multi nutrient formulas. As with most natural supplements, opinions about resveratrol vary, but so far, no negative side effects have been found. The benefits of resveratrol however, are many.

First identified in 1963 as the effective ingredient in the Asian Folk medicine called ko-jo-kon in Japanese or polygonum capsidatum in Latin, resveratrol was later found in grapevines and finally, in 1992, in red wine.

It is because of the believed benefits of resveratrol that many practitioners suggest drinking red wine (just a 4 oz. glass) with dinner. Resveratrol pills or supplements containing the compound are an option for non drinkers.

Although opinions about resveratrol benefits to human health vary, scientists know that the compound has antibiotic capabilities, protects plants from disease, fungus and viral infections. Like many plant compounds, it is an antioxidant, meaning that it protects the plants from the damaging affects of oxidative stress.

The reason that opinions about resveratrol and other antioxidants vary is that research results differ. Many researchers are not sure if plant antioxidants provide the same protection to humans that they do to the plants.

This opinion is becoming increasingly less popular, as research studies conclude again and again that those people who follow a diet rich in a variety of multi colored fruits and vegetables have less heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.

Antioxidants are the compounds that give fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors, each performing a specific purpose in the life of the plant.

There are many antioxidants found in nature and resveratrol is but one. In order to ensure long term good health and receive the most protection from life threatening and chronic diseases, numerous antioxidants should be included in your daily supplement routine. In other words, resveratrol pills by themselves are not enough.

Many positive opinions about resveratrol have been reported in major publications. There have been positive reports in the Oxford Journal and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. These reports indicate that the benefits of resveratrol to modern medicine and human health are multi-faceted.

Besides being an antioxidant, resveratrol is an anti-mutagen and a strong anti-inflammatory. An anti-mutagen is a compound that inhibits the mutation of healthy normal cells into cancerous growths and tumors. You are probably familiar with the term anti-inflammatory. Many common over the counter pain relievers are anti-inflammatory medications, but there are many natural anti-inflammatories.

Chronic inflammation is believed to be at the root of many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Synthetic anti-inflammatories cannot be taken on a regular basis to prevent chronic inflammation without risking other health problems. Natural anti-inflammatories, on the other hand, are found primarily in plant foods and can be consumed on a regular basis throughout a persons life with no side effects.

Since it is one of the natural anti-inflammatories, it is believed that the benefits of resveratrol include the prevention of heart disease, cancer and other diseases associated with chronic inflammation. These are benefits that resveratrol pills may also provide.

Other benefits of resveratrol are still being studied. It may have an anti-aging effect on cells and is being studied for its effects on Alzheimers. Benefits of resveratrol in cancer prevention, suppression and treatment are being studied.

A recent report in the Journal of Infectious Diseases states that resveratrol decreased the reproduction of the influenza virus in cell lines and rats, in other words it may be useful in preventing or treating the flu.

Although opinions about resveratrol may vary, there is no evidence that large amounts of resveratrol are harmful in any way. Large doses showed no adverse effects in rats tested.

In conclusion, the benefits of resveratrol to all systems of the human body have been or are currently being studied. Resveratrol pills may not be a miracle drug, but since most people take a daily multi-vitamin, choosing one of the better supplements that contains this compound is most likely a wise health decision.

Mila Sabido is editor of http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com. Visit us for more information on the http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com/benefits-of-resveratrol.html

Why Red Wine is Very Fine

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:14:45 +0000

Wine has been around for thousands of years, and has been produced through the simple fermentation of grapes. Many adults like to drink wine with their dinner, as not only does it have an enjoyable taste, the fact that there is alcohol present makes wine a relaxing and fun beverage. Wine enthusiasts who want to collect and specialize in wines must amass a vast amount of knowledge. In fact, there are even adult education classes that focus solely on wine, and even include wine tasting. On top of that, the health related benefits of red wine have become well known due to the benefits of resveratrol, a very powerful antioxidant.

The grape is not the only fruit that can be used to make wine. Other fruits, such as apples, can be fermented to produce wine. When a fruit besides the grape is utilizing, that fruit’s name is usually implemented in to the title of the wine. For example, if wine was created from an apple, it would be called apple wine. Wine without a preceding descriptor is assumed to be grape wine, as that is the most common type.

While many people avoid alcohol because of its detrimental health effects, research has revealed that the moderate consumption of alcohol can yield several health benefits. The most beneficial form of alcohol has been found to be red wine. This is because red grapes are packed with antioxidants, and those stick around during the transformation from grapes to wine. The primary benefit of regular red wine consumption is cardiovascular protection. This means a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. Antioxidants improve cardio health by decreasing bad cholesterol, increasing good cholesterol, and reducing blood clotting (which is the ultimate reason that heart attacks and strokes occur).

Wine, especially red wine, contains a special antioxidant called resveratrol, which has incredible, positive health effects. It has anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties, and has even been shown to extend the lives of certain species. Resveratrol also facilitates nerve production. Due to the chemical’s properties, it has been theorized that the antioxidant is effective in preventing diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Resveratrol is also available in a variety of natural supplements if you want to get the benefits of resveratrol without daily alcohol consumption.

If you are purely interested in health, then you should choose a red wine with the most antioxidants. The less sweet the wine, the more antioxidants it has, so that is the type of wine you should secure. Avoid white wine altogether, as while it does have some benefits, they pale in comparison to that of red wine.

Wine is a somewhat expensive commodity, which has led many people to begin brewing their own wine. The process of creating homemade wine is fun, not as expensive as one would think, and the final product can be as high a quality as the best wine on the market. You can find plenty of guides on exactly how to create wine on the Internet, but make sure to invest time in to identifying the best one. Not many materials are needed for this activity.

All you need is a large bucket, a hydrometer, a few wine-enhancing chemicals, an air tight mechanism, and of course either grapes or grape juice. There are vineyards that will sell fresh grapes and grape juice, and although taking this route is the most expensive, the final expenses still fall short of the cost of buying pre-bottled wine.

Whether you choose to make your own wine or buy it, it is important to store the product in a wine rack. A wine rack maintains the wine at a forty five degree angle, which is necessary to keep the seal strong and effective.

A Glass of Red Wine a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:54:28 +0000

There has been a long standing debate on the health benefits of consuming moderate amounts of alcohol. Specifically in regards to red wine, it may not be the alcohol that is gaining so much attention as the resveratrol that is in the red wine. Recently the benefits of resveratrol Whas been found to be many. While resveratrol can be found in plants such as peanuts, mulberries, eucalyptus, spruce, and lily, resveratrol is most abundant in grapes used to make wine. Vitis vinifera, muscadine, and labrusca grapes have the most abundant natural sources of resveratrol. Resveratrol can be found in the vines, roots, stalks, and seeds of the plants, but the highest concentration is found in the skins.

The amount of resveratrol contained in the wine is related to the length of time the grape skins are present during the fermentation process. That’s why the concentration of reseveratrol is much higher in red wine than in white wine where the juice is pressed from the grapes and the skins are removed early in the wine making process. Since grape juice is not a fermented beverage it is not a significant source of resveratrol.

Resveratrol is produced as part of a plants defense system and is an antibiotic to protect the plant against disease. Interestingly, higher concentrations of resveratrol are found in grapes grown in cooler climates where fungal infections are much more common.

The Japanese and Chinese have been using the active ingredient of resveratrol as a traditional treatment for human fungal, inflammatory, lipid, allergic, and hypertensive diseases for decades, but the health benefits of resveratrol in red wine have only came to the attention to the scientific community in recent years as a possible explanation for the ‘French Paradox’.

You see, the French have a high saturated fat diet, but a very low incidence of heart disease. Red wine, due to the grape skins, is thought to be the answer to this anomaly. Resveratrol is now being researched as a powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer agent. To date, there are no long term clinical studies to determine the health benefits of consuming red wine, but combined with the well documented benefits to moderate continual alcohol intake, there doesn’t appear to be a health risk associated with resveratrol in red wine.

Before you run out and start buying cases of red wine as a cure for heart disease remember that there can be too much of a good thing. The American Heart Association suggests 1-2 glasses of alcohol per day is the optimal amount to reduce the risk of heart disease. More than two glasses of alcohol per day pose long term health risks that far outweigh any potential health benefits of resveratrol. In moderation, the antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits of resveratrol may be enjoyed.

A Toast! To the many good things that can be found in a bottle of Red Wine.

Drinking Wine for Your Health? A Little “General” Wine Knowledge is Good Too.

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:23:35 +0000

Many people enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, but a good percentage of those dont really know how to properly pair a wine with their meal. Often they will find one wine that they like and drink it with everything. Whats happening is that theyre missing out on some of the joy of the experience, because each wine complements food in a different way. It really does matter what you drink. These tips for choosing the perfect wine for your meal may just open up a whole new culinary experience for you.In the simplest terms, people generally choose red wine to go with red meat and choose white wine to go with white meat. If youre having a nice steak, leg of lamb, or another red meat, choose from a variety of red wines. Fish, pork, and poultry would be served with a nice white wine. This simplistic rule, of course, isnt always the case.Instead of matching a wine with the color of the meat being served, a better idea would be to match the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the meat. A deep, full-bodied red wine would go well with a juicy steak or lamb chops. Lighter meals would be good with a nice white wine. If you have a spicy poultry dish you might want to serve a red wine just as you might want to serve a white wine with a delicate meal that has a red meat entre.Appetizers ideally shouldnt be paired with red wines. They can, however, be paired with these white wines: Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc; these roses: White Grenache and White Zinfandel; and these sparkling wines: Blanc de Noir, Brut Extra Dry, and Spumante.Barbecue and marinated poultry are best served with one of these red wines: Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, and Beaujolais. Beef dishes are also best served with a red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Mild cheese would benefit from Chenin Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon white wines. You could also serve White Grenache or White Zinfandel in the rose, or Blanc de Noir, Brut Extra Dry, or Spumante champagnes.

Choose a red Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Zinfandel for strong cheeses. A nice white Chardonnay or sparkling wine would also be a good choice.

Desserts would be best limited to a Gewurztraminer, Riesling, White Zinfandel, or Spumante sparkling wine.

Pasta dishes, especially those that are heavily seasoned with tomato sauce, and smoked or barbecued beef, would be great with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Red Zinfandel. White wine choices include Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. Rose and sparkling wine would not be ideal to serve with these types of meals.

Pork dishes can be enjoyed with a Pinot Noir or red Zinfandel, white Chardonnay or Gewurztraminer, or a White Grenache.

Pinot Noir, Burgundy, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and White Zinfandel are good choices for poultry dishes.

Finally, if you plan to enjoy a seafood dinner, consider choosing a Merlot, Pinot Noir, Burgundy, Chardonnay, Semillon, White Grenache, or White Zinfandel for heavy seafood. Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, White Grenache, and White Zinfandel would be recommended for lighter seafood fare.

It doesnt take a genius to choose a good wine to enjoy with dinner. These tips for choosing the perfect wine, while not exhaustive, will hopefully make that next decision a little easier. Take your time, consider your options, and enjoy whatever you choose.

Trying to find resveratrol that is made from a plant grown here in the United states?

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:49:17 +0000

R J asked:

I found some made from the muscadine grape at the Old South winery in Natchez, but all the rest that all the other vitamin companies is made from the root of the knot weed plant and I have been told it is imported from China. I contacted the research doctor at M. D. Anderson cancer Center and he e-mail back some regular vitamin suppliers. i know they use pharmaceutical grade from Canada but cannot find out.. Thanks for any help.

How does resveratrol affect mitochondria?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:30:12 +0000

I’m particularly interested in the possibility that resveratrol can preserve cell activity as people age, including whether it can become available cheaply enough for that purpose.

Where can I buy pure resveratrol online?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:14:45 +0000

mansion7 asked:

I want to buy the best Resveratrol I can online for my own personal use.

But I’ve read that some suppliers don’t really supply very good resveratrol quality.

What’s the best supplier of the best resveratrol I can find online?

Thanks!

What kind of jelly at the grocery store has the most resveratrol in it? Jelly at a health food store?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:44:49 +0000

Eric W asked:
What kind of jelly at the grocery store has the most resveratrol in it? What about jelly at a health food store?

Does just the plain concord grape jelly have any?

Does Sherry contain any Resveratrol? If so, how much?

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:02:13 +0000

“Kahn” ! ! asked:Here is a link about Resveratrol:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resveratrol

It does not mention Sherry, but maybe there is more of it in Red Wine.