Resveratrol for Cancer Prevention

With cancer so widespread in the United States and other parts of the world, chances are that your life has been touched in some way by this malicious disease whose sinister grip does not discriminate.  Many scientific studies have concluded that Resveratrol, a compound occurring naturally in many foods like grapes, peanuts, and certain berries, may be a powerful upcoming force in preventing cancer.  Let's look at what we know about Resveratrol cancer prevention. 

Resveratrol as an Antioxidant

While Resveratrol is not officially classified as an antioxidant, it exhibits some properties and characteristics that are even more powerful than known antioxidants.  Antioxidants fight off free-radical damage within the body, which can lead to the mutation of cells and cellular damage that are the driving force of most cancers.  Eradicating free radicals eliminates one cause of cancer. Resveratrol cancer prevention is thought to come from its antioxidant actions that work to fight free radicals.

Resveratrol as an Apoptosis Inducer

If something goes awry during cell division or if a mutant cell is developed, cells within the body are normally engineered to kill themselves, which is also known as apoptosis.  Apoptosis does not always occur, however, and the cells that are allowed to mutate can turn into cancer.  Resveratrol is thought to be an apoptosis inducer because it encourages these malformed cells to self-destruct, which can lead to fewer incidences of cancer. 

Resveratrol as a Cancer Cell Mitochondria Inhibitor

In existing cancer cells, Resveratrol may be of help as well.  In some studies, Resveratrol was observed acting on the cancer cell's mitochondria to cause them to malfunction by failing to produce the energy needed for these cancerous cells to multiply.  The future of Resveratrol as a cancer fighting agent is just now being studied with more enthusiasm and may hold the key to halting the progression of some cancers. 

Resveratrol and Chemotherapy

Resveratrol is being studied as an aid in chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well.  In some studied, it has been shown that Resveratrol, alongside other cancer treatments like chemo and radiation can help to protect the remaining healthy cells within the body from the threat of damage from the therapy. 

Resveratrol Supplements and Cancer

While the total impact that Resveratrol will have on the cancer community and those afflicted by cancer is still being revealed, it is important to note that Resveratrol by itself is not a cure for cancer.  It is thought, however, by many members of the scientific and research community that Resveratrol's cancer prevention possibilities warrant more study.  If you are predisposed to cancer through genetics, taking Resveratrol may help you ward off the incidence of some types of cancers.  If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is a good idea to discuss the benefits of adding a Resveratrol supplement to your treatment plan with your attending physician or oncologist.  As with any medication, always consult with your doctor prior to using Resveratrol. Hopefully within the next few years, some definitive research on Resveratrol cancer prevention will give us a better picture of the true scope of this "wonder" supplement as it relates to cancer.