Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant produced by some plants and is known to protect against many environmental stressors. The grapevine is the most notable producer of resveratrol. Large amounts of resveratrol are produced in the skin of the grape to protect them against sun damage and fungal diseases.

Wine is fermented with the skins of the grape and is known to have some of the highest levels of resveratrol. Red wine has higher levels of resveratrol than white wine.

For centuries, many people have believed in the healthy benefits of wine. It has been concluded that red wine can protect the heart. Resveratrol is believed to be the substance in wine that is responsible for the health benefits.

Studies indicate that:

          Adding resveratrol to the diet of test subjects increases the life span.

The antioxidant properties of resveratrol help prevent damage to the cells caused by free radicals such as pollution and too much sun exposure.

In obese mice, Resveratrol improved endurance, increased movement and agility and made fat related death drop by a third.

Resveratrol is protective against strokes and heart attacks and has been proven to fight cancer.

Sources of resveratrol include blueberries, grapes, red wine, peanuts and other plants and dietary supplements.

Trans- resveratrol, rather than cis-resveratrol, is the more active form of resveratrol. Trans-resveratrol will activate sirtuins, which are universal regulators of aging being studied by companies developing new anti-aging drugs. Supplements with trans-resveratrol will be the most beneficial.