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Resveratrol Benefits: What's So Great About This Nutrient?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound in some plants, most notably in red wine. It's also found in blueberries, peanuts, and other foods in small amounts. Resveratrol has anti-aging properties and may protect against heart disease and cancer. However, there isn't enough scientific evidence to know if this nutrient can be effective when taken as a supplement. To learn more about resveratrol benefits, scroll down!



Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant


You've probably heard of antioxidants, but what exactly are they? Antioxidants are nutrients that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause inflammation and other health problems, so eating foods rich in antioxidants is a great way to keep them at bay. Resveratrol is one of the most potent antioxidants—so much so that it's been proven to slow down aging!

But how does resveratrol work? And how does it compare with other potent antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E? Here's what you need to know:


Resveratrol may help fight cancer cells


Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has been shown to have an anti-cancer effect, even in small amounts. It may also aid in preventing cancer and helping treat cancers already diagnosed, but more research is needed to determine the full extent of this nutrient's ability to fight cancer.


One study proved that resveratrol could help prevent breast cancer by inhibiting estrogen production and increasing the body's production of natural killer cells (NK), which attack tumor cells. Another study shows that resveratrol may be able to reduce side effects from radiation therapy used for breast cancer treatment. Combining chemotherapy with resveratrol could also help fight leukemia cells more effectively than chemotherapy alone; however, more research is needed before this idea becomes a reality.


Resveratrol may reduce heart disease risk factors


  • Resveratrol may lower cholesterol. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that resveratrol supplementation can reduce levels of LDL ("bad") blood cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL ("good") blood cholesterol.

  • Resveratrol may reduce blood pressure. In one study, Japanese men with high blood pressure who took an extract containing 240 mg per day of resveratrol showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic pressures after three months compared to those taking a placebo. Another study found that resveratrol supplementation reduced systolic and diastolic pressures by 12% over six months in overweight men who were not taking medication for hypertension but did have elevated blood pressure levels.

  • Resveratrol may help prevent clot formation. In addition to lowering overall inflammation, which contributes to clotting factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP), resveratrol has also been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing clots from forming in the bloodstream and causing heart attacks or strokes.* Resveratrol improves blood vessel function.* Resveratrol reduces oxidation of LDL cholesterol.* This nutrient could improve your memory!


Resveratrol may reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis


Resveratrol may effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. In one study on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, participants taking resveratrol had significantly less pain after six weeks of treatment than those who took a placebo.

A 2015 study found that combining rosuvastatin (a statin drug) with resveratrol improved joint function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.


Resveratrol may extend lifespan and slow age-related decline in health


Resveratrol may extend lifespan and slow age-related decline in health.

Resveratrol is a compound in red wine, grapes, and dark chocolate. It's been shown to have anti-aging effects that may help prevent age-related diseases.

In animal studies, resveratrol has been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease by reducing the formation of blood clots (which could lead to stroke or heart attack), preventing death from complications caused by those diseases, increasing insulin sensitivity (which helps regulate blood sugar levels), and lowering cholesterol levels.



Resveratrol keeps blood sugar at healthy levels


A study published in Diabetes Care found that resveratrol may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Resveratrol may also help prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

In addition to its ability to control blood sugar, resveratrol has also been shown to protect against heart disease by reducing inflammation and oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which is associated with plaque buildup in arteries that causes heart attacks and strokes.


Resveratrol can protect your brain and nerves from damage


Resveratrol has been shown to protect your brain and nerves from damage.

Resveratrol has several anti-inflammatory effects, including the ability to stop cell death and reduce oxidative stress. It also protects against nerve damage and brain damage.



It's unclear whether resveratrol supplements offer the same benefits as foods rich in this nutrient


Sadly, the truth is that there are few studies on the effects of resveratrol supplements on humans. The studies that have been done are limited in number and scope, and even less is known about how much resveratrol you can get in foods—and whether you need to take a supplement at all to reap its benefits.

As with so many things dietary, the best source for this nutrient is the food itself: it's hard to beat nature's bounty when it comes to nutrition!


Studies suggest resveratrol can offer a range of health benefits, but more research is needed on supplements to ensure they're safe and effective


Resveratrol is a natural compound found in red wine and certain plants. It has been studied for its potential to help fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and other health issues.

However, it's important to note that the health benefits of resveratrol are not well-established. While some research suggests that resveratrol may help maintain good health or treat specific conditions (more on this below), other studies show no benefit at all. The FDA does not regulate resveratrol, and supplements are not recommended for pregnant women or children.


Conclusion


Ultimately, it would help if you decided the risks and whether resveratrol supplements are worth taking. But we think it's pretty exciting to know that this fantastic antioxidant is available in foods like red wine, peanuts, and pistachios—and that it may be able to help protect your heart and brain, fight cancer cells and other diseases, reduce inflammation, or even slow aging. We hope this article has given you some exciting information about how resveratrol works in your body, as well as helpful tips on eating more of these foods!


References


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