10 Benefits of Resveratrol
Research has shown that when plants are under attack, they release various chemicals as a result. Phytoalexins are a common example of such chemicals and they are able to help protect the plants against potential pathogens. One example of a phytoalexin is resveratrol, and it is found in the skin of grapes, as well as some other sources.
Red wine, in particular, is a good source of resveratrol. The compound is thought to hold various health benefits for people and can even help to fight off the effects of aging. While alcohol should always be consumed in moderation, a few glasses of red wine might even be beneficial to you.
Resveratrol Benefit #1: Brain Protection
One of the greatest problems that many people face when they grow older is the loss of their mental abilities. Our memory can fade and overall cognitive ability worsen as time goes by. In severe cases, the patient can even forget the people that have been close to them for many years. It can be devastating to the patient and to their families.
We have made some progress in this regard, though, and we have identified various compounds that can help slow mental decline. One of these is resveratrol thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research suggests that it helps prevent the formation of plaques that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Resveratrol Benefit #2: Arthritis
Another common problem with aging is arthritis. Arthritis is actually an umbrella term for conditions that cause swelling, deformities and a loss of mobility in the joints. It can cause the patient to lose pretty much all mobility in affected joints and can also be very painful to endure. There is little we can do in terms of cure, but we can at least help relieve the patient’s discomfort.
Studies have shown that resveratrol may be able to help prevent the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Resveratrol can be used as a supplement, meaning it is easy to use. It might not be able to ease symptoms that already exist but it could potentially help with prevention.
Resveratrol Benefit #3: Cancer-Fighting
The fight against cancer is still very much alive. We are still some way away from winning the fight but we are at least beginning to win some of the battles. We have learned so much about cancer and how to defeat it and we are even able to cure it in some cases. We are also identifying an increasing number of compounds that can help in the fight.
One of these cancer-fighting compounds might be resveratrol. Studies have shown that resveratrol might be effective at helping to at least slow down the spread of cancer. It is thought that it could help in the fight against several types of cancer.
Resveratrol Benefit #4: Acne Fighting
Acne is a problem that millions of people endure around the world every day. It can be very unsightly and also very painful in some cases. It can leave some people feeling very self-conscious and it can have a considerable impact on their overall happiness and well-being. It is also something that we are still struggling to learn how to control.
The good news is that resveratrol has shown that it might be effective in the fight against cancer. This is great news for people around the world that are struggling to keep their complexion under control. If it can be used to make a cure, it can help to improve the lives of millions of people.
Resveratrol Benefit #5: Lowers Blood Pressure
A high blood pressure has the potential to be very serious. It can contribute to a wide range of harmful conditions, including heart disease and problems with other organs. One of the key contributors to a high blood pressure is living habits, although there are other contributing factors that we have less control over.
A high blood pressure will often be treated with medication. Resveratrol has shown that it may be able to help blood vessels to relax. Stiffening blood vessels are a leading cause of high blood pressure. There is still more research to be done, but resveratrol may well be able to help in keeping blood pressure to healthy levels.
Resveratrol Benefit #6: Anti-Aging
Aging is inevitable for all of us. There is nothing we can do about the passage of time and our bodies will gradually succumb to its effects as we get older. With so many people wanting to stay younger for longer, though, a lot of research is being done on the phenomena. Scientists are getting closer to a solution that might be able to at least slow aging down.
Studies have shown that resveratrol can be effective at slowing down, or even reversing, some of the symptoms of aging. This includes maintaining the health of the skeleton, and the health of the brain.
Resveratrol Benefit #7: Helps Diabetics
Millions of people across the planet are suffering from diabetes on a daily basis. It is a potentially severe condition that can severely impact the patient’s quality of life. In some cases, it can even contribute to fatal complications. One of the main causes of diabetes is an insensitivity to insulin, a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Resveratrol is thought to be able to increase the patient’s sensitivity to insulin, helping them to regulate their blood sugar levels themselves. It is also thought to be able to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to diabetes-associated complications.
Resveratrol Benefit #8: Life Extending
In addition to wanting to look good for longer, we are also on the search for answers on how to extend our lives. Improved standards of living and advancing medicines are continuing to extend life-expectancy, but our mortality is still at the mercy of time. There might be some ways to unlocking the answers to extending our lives further, though.
Studies have shown that resveratrol has been able to extend the life expectancy of some animals. It is thought that the compound can activate particular genes that can help to prevent some age-related conditions. While the compound does not appear to be effective in humans, it could at least help us to get some answers that can help in our research.
Resveratrol Benefit #9: Regulates Blood Fats
Pretty much anybody in the Western world will be aware of the need to limit the levels of fats in your diet. Too much fat in the diet is a leading cause of obesity and can also contribute to a wide range of other problems. We have learned more about which types of fat are good or bad, though, and we also know of some compounds that can help.
Studies have shown that levels of ‘bad’ cholesterols in mice decreased when given resveratrol supplements. Meanwhile, it also increased their levels of ‘good’ cholesterols. While certain compounds may be able to help, it is best to realize that the best solution is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Resveratrol Benefit #10: Fights Infections
Our bodies are quite hardy when it comes to fighting pathogens. Our immune systems have evolved over millions of years to be able to fight off infections and we are generally quite safe. That does not mean to say that we are invincible, though, and infections can take hold at any time.
Resveratrol has been shown to be able to help the body to fight off infections. This includes viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Tests have shown it to be able to help inhibit infections including HIV, herpes and even the common cold. Perhaps the cure for a nasty cold could be to have a glass of red wine or two.
