You may have heard of Resveratrol or seen many articles with hyperbolized headlines describing its health benefits. Resveratrol is naturally present in grapes, red wine, peanuts and some berries, and is found in up to 70 plant species. It is expected to act like an antioxidant in the body and aid in protecting the body against damage.
If these titles like “How Red Wine Keeps Us Healthy”, or “Red Wine Consumption Could Fight Dementia” seem a little unbelievable to you, it’s because it might just be too far-fetched. Many manufacturers have tried to capitalize on this trend by selling resveratrol and advertising it as a fountain of youth elixir or a weight loss supplement. Whether or not resveratrol can deliver on these promises (and many more) is yet to be seen. Let’s talk about the basics first.
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene) is a compound that has antioxidant properties and is found in various foods such as peanuts, pistachios, grapes, red and white wine, blueberries, cranberries, cocoa and dark chocolate. The plants make resveratrol as a protective mechanism to fight fungal or bacterial infection, ultraviolet radiation, stress, and to withstand a lack of nutrients and injuries. Resveratrol is part of a group of polyphenolic compounds called stilbenes. It is a fat-soluble compound that demonstrates antioxidant properties, as well as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.
Resveratrol is a phytoalexin. A phytoalexin is an antimicrobial substance that is found in the leaves, skins, and petals of plants such as grapes, which are highly prone to fungal infections. It is synthesized as needed and accumulates rapidly at areas of pathogen infection for plant protection.
Since the early 1990s, with the discovery of the presence of resveratrol in red wine, the scientific community has been researching the effects of resveratrol on health and a growing number of reports have indicated a possibility for future positive results. The information currently available regarding resveratrol remains confined to experiments tested on animals and in test tubes. As the research conducted to date is ‘preclinical’ there is little information about resveratrol’s effects in humans.
The few studies linked to humans give us specific information with respect to supplemental forms of this compound. It is perceived that resveratrol may lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. These positive studies come from cultures of cells or laboratory experiments with specimens such as fruit flies, mice or yeast. There is virtually no information on its long-term effects or appropriate dosages, therefore we lack a clear guidance on how to use resveratrol effectively for our health.
As a result, all side effects are also unknown. This stilbenoid has a chemical structure that is similar to that of a female hormone. In some cases, resveratrol is seen to block this female hormone and in others boost the hormones’ activity. This could also cause an interference with other medications. Test tube studies with high doses of resveratrol have shown to stop blood clotting which could increase the risk of bleeding for humans and interfere with blood thinners. Once again indicating that the proper use of resveratrol supplements is currently ambiguous.
The in vitro results do show promise that resveratrol could be used to aid the human body in a fashion similar to its purpose in plants. However, beyond the dose received from dietary sources, there is not enough evidence to justify a recommendation for the administration of resveratrol. Experts agree that it has potential for immune support, so if you believe resveratrol will help you stay healthy, it’s far better to consume it, and other antioxidants, naturally. You can’t always trust the source of the extracted resveratrol from these marketed “anti-aging” pills, moreover you can get many more benefits from eating fresh fruits and nuts.