Resveratrol is a natural compound that is found in many foods. It can be found in the skip of red grapes, peanuts and different berries. Its role as a powerful antioxidant is known to be beneficial in neutralizing free radicals that contribute to the ageing process. Resveratrol is produced by certain plants as a protective measure against external stress factors.
The reason for high concentrations of resveratrol in grape skins is that it provides protection against fungal diseases. It can also protect the plant from sun damage. You will also be able to get an amount of resveratrol when you drink red wine but it is significantly reduced. That is why supplements in the form of resveratrol powder and pills are produced. However, you will have more resveratrol content in red wine than in white wine. This is because the fermentation process that includes grape skins is longer in red wine. The dietary supplements of resveratrol are made out of grape seed extracts, red wine extracts, Japanese knotweed extracts etc. Japanese knotweed has the highest concentration of resveratrol found in nature.
The amount of resveratrol you get in supplements as well as its purity will depend on the manufacturer or brand. So you need to be diligent when it comes to researching information about the supplement and how it is regulated. Resveratrol works by protecting the DNA of the cell. Because it is an antioxidant, it can prevent damage to the cells from free radicals. Free radicals are produced because of many factors such as age, natural fat burning processes of the body, sunlight, pollution etc. Resveratrol is known to have a protective effect when it comes to the circulatory system and the heart. It can lower cholesterol levels and act to prevent formation of clots that can cause strokes or heart attacks. Animal studies show that it has a beneficial effect in preventing Alzheimer’s disease as it can lower the plaque levels in the brain. However, there is a lot more research required to understand the safety of resveratrol when taken long term.
Drug interactions with resveratrol are yet to be seen because there is a gap in research regarding this. If you are a person who takes blood thinning medication, you need to ask your doctor before taking resveratrol. It is anyway recommended to get the opinion of your family doctor before you start any supplement to see how it will react with other medicines that you are taking. If you suffer from blood disorders, then it is best to let your physician know before you take resveratrol. You should also take care to stop resveratrol supplements for about two weeks if you are planning to undergo surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding. You should also avoid resveratrol if you are breast-feeding or pregnant. You should also avoid giving it to children. This is because there are areas that have not been researched when it comes to the safety of taking resveratrol supplements.
