Resveratrol is a polyphenolic antioxidant found in plants, but also in certain foods or drinks. The largest amount of resveratrol is contained in the root of the Polygonum cuspidatum plant, originally from Japan, but which cannot be consumed in its natural state.

Other sources rich in resveratrol are dark-colored fruits, such as grapes, blackberries, tomatoes, currants, blueberries, cranberries, but also peanuts and pistachios.


Another source rich in resveratrol is red wine. This active substance is released from the skin and seeds of grapes during the fermentation process and has numerous health benefits, according to the National Institutes of Health in America.


Despite the fact that they tend to eat foods rich in fats, the French are considered the people with the healthiest cardiovascular system in the world, and this is due to the regular consumption of red wine rich in resveratrol. Precisely for this reason, the substance is also called the "French Paradox".


Normally, the body has the ability to defend itself against viruses, bacteria or oxidative stress, thanks to the SIRT1 protein, also known as the "longevity protein". This protein protects and keeps DNA cells intact and repairs molecules that have been damaged by free radicals.


Over time, due to the high number of free radicals, the self-defense capacity of the cells decreases, and the SIRT 1 proteins are required more to restore the cells, the aging process being accelerated.


Resveratrol stimulates the production of SIRT 1 proteins and therefore helps to maintain cellular health, slowing down the aging process. For this reason, resveratrol is considered a key ingredient in prolonging life.


 

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF RESVERATROL

The benefits of resveratrol were first discovered by researchers who concluded that certain insects, bacteria and animals that were fed with this substance had a longer lifespan. Studies have shown that resveratrol has many other benefits for the body, such as:

• slows down the aging process - resveratrol contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Over time, these free radicals attack healthy cells in the body and accelerate the aging process. Eating foods rich in resveratrol and/or taking food supplements have beneficial effects on the body and manage to maintain the body's youth.
• has an anti-carcinogenic effect - antioxidants and phytonutrients can prevent cancer. Studies have shown that resveratrol can contribute to blocking the process of carcinogenesis, which favors the development of cancerous tumors.
• protects the health of the cardiovascular system - thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, resveratrol can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to specialized studies, the consumption of foods and drinks rich in resveratrol reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (a condition that consists in the thickening of the arteries, which prevents proper blood circulation), blood clots or myocardial fibrosis.
• can prevent obesity - resveratrol can prevent fat deposition and help regulate insulin levels. In addition, the researchers concluded that this substance can help reduce body weight. This fact is supported by studies that show that the SIRT 1 protein, activated by resveratrol, has the ability to protect the body against obesity.
• regulates the level of insulin - resveratrol reduces the level of sugar in the blood and regulates that of insulin. Therefore, it can prevent and improve the symptoms of diabetes.
• lowers blood pressure levels - due to its antioxidant properties, resveratrol can help lower blood pressure. It helps to produce nitric oxide in the body, which, in turn, causes blood vessels to relax and, implicitly, lower blood pressure.
• lowers the level of "bad" cholesterol - resveratrol can influence the level of cholesterol in the body, due to the effect it has on the enzyme that controls cholesterol production. More precisely, it can help reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol and increase the level of "good" cholesterol in the body. This benefit is supported by a study in which participants took supplements with grape extract. After six months of treatment, the level of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) decreased by 4.5%.
• protects the brain - certain studies claim that a moderate consumption of red wine can help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases caused by aging. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can reduce the oxidation of amyloid plaques, responsible for the onset of Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, it reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease or Huntington's syndrome.
• protects the bone system - resveratrol-based supplements can help maintain the health of the bone system and prevent cartilage damage, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health;
• protects the health of the liver - resveratrol has therapeutic effects on the liver, helps to reduce fat deposits, thus preventing the appearance of liver fibrosis or steatosis;
• prevents hearing loss - studies on mice have shown that resveratrol protects the body from factors that can lead to hearing loss;
• protects against infections - resveratrol has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the symptoms of certain infections and skin irritation.