Resveratrol supplements health benefits – fiction or real

Nearly all sources of data relating to resveratrol note popular media personalities such as Oprah Winfrey, who presented interviews with Dr. Oz, a Turkish medical expert, who discussed scientific findings suggesting associations between resveratrol and anti-aging processes in laboratory experiments involving mice and other small animals such as fish and rats. Media publicity is not uncommon principally when as regards so called ‘wonder pills’ or ‘fountain of youth’ claims. But, the claims made by media personalities and talk show hosts do have some scientific support. Let us take a look at some of the promising ‘evidence’.

Resveratrol Antioxidant Properties

Before we can know the antioxidant qualities of resveratrol supplements, we need to look at the role of oxidants. Oxidants are a form of toxin that hits organs within the body and are linked to cancer producing cells. Antioxidants, as the name implies, are the converse of oxidants. They supply protection for body cells, organs and the central nervous system. As a result, antioxidants combat toxic oxidants and restore damaged cell tissue.

Resveratrol Sources

Many common foods and drinks contain resveratrol. For instance, red wine is one rich source of resveratrol. Red grapes, of course, and peanuts also contain traces of resveratrol. According to a promising body of scientific studies, the health effects require high concentrations of the resveratrol compound, not found in regular foods. This explains the emerging reserve of resveratrol supplements on the market. Resveratrol supplements are acquired from sources namely: Japanese knotweed and red wine.

Resveratrol and slowing the Aging Process

Resveratrol supplements commonly hold 500 times more of the resveratrol compound than is found in typical foods. These are the sort of concentrations used in laboratory tests reported in the media. One of the core claims from the scientific studies is the relationship between resveratrol and extending life duration. While these studies are relatively new and ongoing, there appears to be leading evidence to support the claims. In particular these claims include benefits such as: fighting diseases associated with diabetes and cancer. The laboratory tests involving mice and rats showed improved life expectancy when exposed to high concentrations of reveratrol supplements in their diets.

The theory stemming for the research examines how resveratrol promotes the SIRT-1 gene. The action of this gene is set off by a calorie restricted diet. The lab studies showed that when rats are given high concentrations of resveratrol or fed on low calorie diets, they show longer and more active life spans when compared to control groups. Sirtris Pharmaceuticals is one particular company performing human trials with the drug, SRT501 for its application for controlling diabetes. Additional results show some promise for retarding the natural aging process and improving cardiovascular systems as we age.

In other studies, Stanford researchers successfully reversed the aging of skin in mice by introducing resveratrol into their diets. The resveratrol stimulated the skin cells to quickly reproduce. Even though these findings are in their infancy, cosmetic companies are paying close attention for commercial applications of resveratrol in the cosmetics market sector.

What are the options for accessing quality resveratrol supplements?

Next time you are out shopping look for health food stores and browse their inventory for supplies of resveratrol supplements. Do the same at your local store. Also talk to the store owners about resveratrol. Alternatively, look online. There are scores of online opportunities for purchasing resveratrol supplements. In some cases you will find websites offering convenient links to merchants offering free trials of resveratrol supplement packs. The only initial cost involved is the shipping fees. A tip, study the terms of the free trial offers. Generally the terms require you cancel and return the offer if you decide you do not want to pay the full price after the end of the trial period.

In conclusion, the information and opinions contained this article are based on researched information from publically available sources. Therefore, the information does not comprise medical advice or scientific fact. Commercially available resveratrol supplements are not approved by the FDA for any health condition. For any specific health condition, ask a professional medical physician.