What are the Benefits of Resveratrol?

The total benefits of resveratrol are yet to be uncovered.  We have known for years that the antioxidant decreases our risk of cancer and heart disease, if it is taken in a bio-active form called trans-resveratrol, which can be absorbed through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream.  Of course, if you buy cheap supplements or the wrong red wine, you are not likely to get the benefit.

The resveratrol-content of red wine varies, depending on where the grapes grew and how long the grapes were allowed to ferment with the skins still intact.  It is the skin of certain types of red grapes that contain the largest amount and that amount increases as the grapes are allowed to ferment.  Red grape juice is not a good source of the antioxidant, because it is not fermented.

To a lesser extent, the antioxidant is present in boiled peanuts, but raw ones have only a tiny amount.  It also occurs in large amounts in some medicinal plants, such as Japanese knotweed root.   The purpose of the antioxidant in the plant world is to protect it from disease, toxins and UV radiation from the sun.

Most healthcare experts recommend a good supplement, rather than a dietary source, because the resveratrol-concentration is more uniform and there is no risk of liver damage or alcohol abuse that can occur among red wine drinkers.

Of course, in order to determine the potency, a manufacture must test the raw ingredients.  The best manufacturer guarantees that 50mg of their extract will contain 50% trans-resveratrol.  If you do a little shopping around, you will see that most manufacturers neither list the amount or the potency.  If they do, you usually get a 25% trans-resveratrol concentration, which is not likely to be of any benefit.

But, let’s get to what those benefits are.  It is obviously very exciting, because it has researchers from around the world conducting studies.  Here are some of the things that they’ve been saying. 

• May help prevent colon, breast, stomach, throat and other types of cancer
• Increases insulin sensitivity, decreases unhealthy blood sugar levels, but does not cause     low blood sugar levels
• Extends the lifespan of short-lived fish
• Reduces inflammation, improves bone density, slows bone degeneration and may reduce the risk of head and neck cancer
• May be useful in treating antibiotic resistant infections
• Protects against the damaging affects of UV radiation (may prove beneficial for cancer patients requiring radiation therapy)
• Helps prevent heart disease

With all of this good news, there is a little bad news about the supplement industry.  In November, 2007, an independent laboratory tested 13 resveratrol supplements to determine if the potency listed on the label was accurate.  Only two  passed the test, but this supports the notion that you need to choose your supplements carefully.

Here’s my advice.  Your best choice for supplementation is one that contains resveratrol, carnosine, SAM-e and your basic vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  If you tried to take these supplements individually, you would spend a lot more money and get only limited benefit.   See my website for more specific advice. -Thanks, Larry