Benefits of Resveratrol

What is resveratrol? What are the health benefits of resveratrol? What are resveratrol side effects?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound in some plants. It is produced by the plants in response to attack by pathogens including fungi and bacteria. Over the last few years, there has been a lot of press about resveratrol benefits.

If you have watched Dr Oz, then you are probably aware that he promotes resveratrol as an anti-aging supplement. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant. When you introduce it into your body, it seeks out and destroys free radicals. Free radical damage is a common culprit behind the signs of aging such as age spot, wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity.

The benefits of resveratrol also include longevity. In an Italian study, resveratrol increased life span an astonishing 56% in a fish that normally has a life span of only nine weeks. The researchers noted that not only did the fish live longer, but they also showed the energy and mental proficiency of younger fish.

Research indicates that there may be resveratrol benefits for those with Alzheimer's disease and neuro-degenerative diseases. Plaque formation in the brain, believed to be one of the causes of these diseases, was significantly reduced in those who supplemented with resveratrol.

Other benefits of resveratrol include flu and cancer fighting. In research studies, resveratrol appears to block the cell functions that are needed to replicate the flu virus. A 1997 a study found that topically applying resveratrol to the skin protects against skin cancer in mice. Cancers of the digestive tract also appear to be decreased with resveratrol.

You can get resveratrol benefits in several ways. It is found naturally in some foods such as cranberries, blueberries, chocolate, peanuts and grapes. Wines also contain resveratrol. For maximum benefit, you should choose red wines as they have a higher content. If you are not a fan of wine or cannot drink it due to medicine interactions or other reasons, grape juice offers similar benefits.

If you are not getting enough of this vital nutrient in your diet, you may choose resveratrol supplements. Keep in mind that not all supplements are created equally. As is generally the case, when certain supplements begin making waves, a lot of fly by night companies pop up wanting to cash in on its popularity.

The quality of their products may not be as good as advertised. To get the most out of the benefits of resveratrol, look for a product that is standardized and buy from companies who have a good history, such as vitabase.com.

As with any medicine, natural or pharmaceutical, there is a potential for side effects. Most people tolerate resveratrol fine. However, some users have reported a jittery feeling, insomnia, digestive upset, elevated blood pressure, urine discoloration, increased sensitivity to heat or cold, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, joint pain or a loss of appetite. In many cases, these side effects are the result of taking low quality resveratrol supplements.

The benefits of resveratrol are plentiful. Who wouldn't want to be healthier, stay looking and feeling younger and have a longer life? Why not give it a try and see what the resveratrol benefits can do for your life?

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