Healthy Antioxidant Found in Grapes and Red Wine

Frequent studies in the past few years have linked resveratrol to beneficial heart health. Resveratrol, a flavonoid, derived naturally from plants is a powerful antioxidant that can typically be found in red wine, grape skins, grape products, and even nuts. The concentration of resveratrol is relatively higher in red wine, however, since the fermentation process yields higher levels of this antioxidant as an end result.

Health Benefits of Resveratrol

• Reduce Risk for Cardiovascular disease

Resveratrol, a polyphenol, rich in antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Studies in which animal test subjects were given resveratrol versus the group receiving no resveratrol showed promising results. The test results of the group given resveratrol revealed a reduction of the LDL, or bad cholesterol, and an increase of the HDL, good cholesterol in comparison to the control group that did not receive any. This of course, is good news, since low levels of the LDL, or bad cholesterol, can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.

• May Help in Prevention of Cancer

The polyphenols, found in resveratrol, are powerful antioxidants that can help reduce the amount of free radicals in the body that can lead to disease, as well as, help to inhibit the production and spread of possible cancer causing cells.

• Anti-Aging Benefits

Resveratrol may help slow down the decay of cells, and aid in repairing of new ones. All this may result in an extended longevity of cells, resulting in an anti-aging health benefit for the body.

• Anti-Inflammatory Qualities

Certain inflammatory conditions are thought to be caused by particular compounds in the body, and resveratrol may be linked as a possible inhibitor of these compounds, thereby, providing relief for certain inflammations. Use of resveratrol to help with any chronic inflammatory conditions should be discussed with your doctor.

Since resveratrol can be found in grapes, grape juice, and other dark-colored berries, you don’t have to drink alcohol, such as red wine to obtain the benefits. If you do, however, enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner, it’s recommended you should drink in moderation, which would include on average, two drinks a day for a man, and one drink a day for a woman.

Resveratrol is also available in a dietary pill form, although it’s best to check the FDA guidelines concerning the use of this as a supplement and the acceptable dosage amounts preferred. It’s also recommended that you consult with your doctor before you decide to take resveratrol in a dietary pill form, especially if you are under any current medication that may have a negative interaction in combination with this supplement.

If you do use resveratrol supplements, be aware that an overdose of these dietary pills can result in adverse reactions such as tendonitis, stomach pain, diarrhea, and joint aches, as well as several other conditions, since they can vary with each individual.

A healthy diet of food sources rich in resveratrol including grapes, red, or purple grape juice, and other rich, dark-colored berries, as well as peanuts, may help you attain positive heart healthy benefits and more.