Resveratrol - what it is, benefits, harms and costs

Many naturally occurring compounds have a positive effect on human metabolism and immunity. It has been noticed that the food habits and traditions of some peoples are often not entirely correct from the point of view of dietology, but are beneficial to health. For example, peoples whose diet is rich in greens and grapes, especially red sour varieties and natural wine made from it, are less likely to suffer from obesity, cardiovascular diseases, fungal pathologies and digestive disorders. At the same time, people can eat fatty meats, breads, cheeses, sweets and pastries in large quantities and without consequences for health and metabolism.

The paradox is simple: grapes and some other plants contain resveratrol. It is a powerful antioxidant that prevents the catalysts of inflammatory reactions, sphingosine kinase and phospholipase, from acting on the body. Plant cells produce this phytoncide to protect against fungi and bacteria.

Resveratrol supplement developers report a wide range of benefits. Among the declared properties are prevention of Alzheimer's disease and oncology, weight loss, prevention of vascular diseases and heart failure, increased immunity, stabilization of blood glucose levels and much more.

The origin and benefits of the supplement

Over the millennia of evolution, many plants have developed a defense mechanism against natural pathogens and adverse environmental conditions. Leaves, peels and bones accumulate polyphenolic substances called bioflavonoids. They protect cells from free radicals, radiation, bacteria, viruses and fungi. Resveratrol belongs to the class of phytoestrogens, related to the analogous hormone in animals and humans.

Scientific confirmation

Experiments on insects, fish and rodents have proven the fact of prolongation of life and rejuvenation of tissues with the systematic use of foods rich in resveratrol. In humans, such large-scale studies have not been carried out, but many years of use of dietary supplements with bioflavonoids and products in their natural form have actually confirmed their health benefits. The positive effect is manifested in the fight against aging and metabolic disorders.

The richest in resveratrol are grape seeds and skins, raw cocoa and carob, dark berries such as blackberries, blueberries, mulberries, blueberries and lingonberries.

Natural red grape wine is considered to be the leader in terms of nutrient content. In the process of fermentation and fermentation, the largest amount of bioflavonoids is released, which, in combination with tannins and vitamins, has a healing and tonic effect on the body.

Do not forget that alcohol contained in wine is not healthy, and excessive consumption is harmful to health. It is important to find a middle ground here - the perfect combination of benefits and quantity.

Benefits for humans

For humans, the benefits of resveratrol are as follows:

• Slowing down the aging process and protecting against cancer. Free radicals are particles that have one or more unpaired electrons. Due to their high reactogenic potential, they easily bind to cells in the body, causing them to oxidize. This process at the cellular level is associated with tissue aging, destruction and loss of functionality. It is free radicals that are credited with carcinogenic effects. Resveratrol binds harmful substances coming from polluted air, poor-quality food, or accumulating in the body during life. The substance inhibits the oxidative process, thereby prolonging the life of cells.
• Protection of the heart and blood vessels from harmful cholesterol. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of resveratrol strengthen the walls of blood vessels, prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and improve blood circulation.
• Favorable effect on the nervous system. Unlike other bioflavonoids, resveratrol penetrates the blood-brain barrier of the brain, has a protective effect on nerve cells, protecting them from degeneration.
• Prevention of obesity by activating the SIRT 1 gene, which is responsible for the metabolism and breakdown of lipids in the body.
• Prevention and control of diabetes mellitus. Resveratrol lowers the level of insulin in the blood, prevents hyperglycemia, the development of complications of the disease, and makes it easier to control the disease with medication.

Does resveratrol help you lose weight

Despite all the beneficial properties of resveratrol, its use as the only means of controlling appetite and weight is not justified.

Many factors influence obesity:

• metabolic disease;
• insulin resistance;
• compulsive overeating;
• sedentary lifestyle.

It will not be possible to solve the problem of excess weight only at the expense of supplements. There is no full-fledged research to prove or disprove the weight loss benefits of resveratrol. The remedy can only be regarded as an auxiliary in combination with proper nutrition, solving psychological problems, training and careful medical supervision.

Real impact on body systems

Most studies of the effect of bioflavonoid on cells and tissues were carried out on microscopic cultures of protozoa and fungi, worms, insects and small rodents. The scientific and ethical component of large-scale medical research implies a lengthy accreditation procedure before an experiment can be conducted with large mammals or humans.

The study of the effect of resveratrol on humans is carried out exclusively on volunteers. Medical institutes and nutraceutical companies are simultaneously studying the properties of the supplement. The results of some do not distinguish the effect of a bioactive substance from a placebo, while others show more specific results. The methodology and evidence base still leave room for controversy.

However, official medical research in warm-blooded animals with complex cell structures (mice, guinea pigs and rats) leaves resveratrol with an excellent chance of widespread use in medicine in the future.

Scientists have identified its importance in treatment:

• tumors of various origins - the test subjects showed a slowdown in the growth and reproduction of cancer cells;
• Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative diseases of the nervous system associated with trauma and aging;
• diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance;
• cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease;
• viral diseases, mainly of the herpes group;
• bacterial infections, such as chlamydia.

Reproductive doctors pay great attention to resveratrol. In experimental rodents, the percentage of successful in vitro fertilization increased while taking the supplement.

Foods high in resveratrol

To get a sufficient amount of a useful bioactive substance, it is not at all necessary to resort to the help of chemically synthesized dietary supplements.

Resveratrol is naturally found in:

• Muscat grapes and their derivatives, for example, wine, juice, pastille;
• blueberries and blueberries, which, in addition to a natural antioxidant, contain lutein, manganese, vitamin K, fiber, ascorbic and gallic acids;
• lingonberries, which are slightly inferior to grapes in terms of the percentage of resveratrol;
• peanut oil, where the bioflavonoid is combined with unsaturated fatty acids and calcium;
• dark chocolate and cocoa;
• sweet peppers and tomatoes;
• greens and aloe juice;
• carob (carob fruit that tastes like cocoa);
• red berries: cherries, raspberries, blackberries, mulberries, acai, cranberries - the thicker the skin, the greater the content of the nutrient;
• seeds and nuts: pistachios, almonds, sesame seeds, chia.

Blueberries contain resveratrol

Scientific point of view

Official medicine does not recognize the proven curative effect of resveratrol. Research results often contradict each other. Some doctors recommend it as an effective prophylactic agent, while others compare it to a placebo.

Nutraceutical companies and manufacturers of vitamin complexes consider the data from studies in cell cultures and small rodents sufficient to consider the substance safe. Indeed, no cases of deterioration of major diseases have been identified only against the background of taking supplements with it.

There are many patients who report relief from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or neurological problems. In addition, the antioxidant effect and the ability of resveratrol to bind free radicals make it a promising substance not only in pharmacology, but also in the beauty industry. Cosmetology is always in search of unique natural substances that can prolong the youthfulness of the skin.

Probably, in the next few years, official science will receive enough information about the effect of resveratrol on human cells and tissues. In the meantime, the decision to take the supplement should be made based on the physiological indicators and the individual response of the person.

Indications for use

There are conditions in which supplementation or a diet high in resveratrol may be warranted.

These include:

• Living and working in ecologically unfavorable areas with polluted air and water. Residents of large cities, workers of industrial enterprises daily inhale and ingest a huge amount of free radicals, heavy metals and carcinogens. They need a course intake of antioxidants in order to prevent chronic intoxication and oncology.
• High levels of stress and intellectual workload. Resveratrol has a beneficial effect on cerebral circulation and nutrition of neurons, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, thins the blood and improves its composition.
• Intense training or a period of active recovery from injuries and surgeries. Bioflavonoid increases the body's resistance to infections, reduces the risk of thrombosis.
• Unfavorable epidemiological situation and work with patients. Resveratrol reduces the risk of infection by viruses, bacteria and fungi.
• Pregnancy planning and preparation for the IVF procedure. A composition close to human estrogen allows the substance to have a beneficial effect on reproductive health. Under its influence, the chance for the maturation of the egg and its subsequent implantation increases. The risk of genetic failures during the period of blastocyst formation is reduced.
• Severe chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, cancer during treatment and remission, HIV, hepatitis. The drug reduces the risk of complications, slows down the process of degeneration of the liver, pancreas, brain, blood vessels, retina.
• Elderly age, when support of the immune system, heart, blood vessels and especially cerebral circulation is necessary. The supplement works as an immunomodulator and adaptogen improves well-being.

As an additional supportive agent as part of complex therapy, the supplement is prescribed for:

• stomach ulcer;
• hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia, at the stage of recovery in case of heart attacks and strokes;
• arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, glomerulonephritis of autoimmune origin;
• HIV, hepatitis B, C, D, cytomegalovirus, herpes, infectious mononucleosis;
• stress, neurosis, depressive disorders, psychotherapy;
• dysfunctions of the endocrine glands.
• parasitic invasions;
• allergies and dermatitis;
• oncology and cystic neoplasms;
• diseases of the veins and blood vessels;
• inflammation and bacterial infections;
• radiation sickness.

Cosmetics with resveratrol are effective in treating and preventing skin aging, acne, acne and eczema. They reduce the negative impact of solar ultraviolet radiation and unfavorable ecology.

The Resveratrol Supplement Benefit

Most experts agree that it is most harmonious for a person to get nutrients and trace elements from food. A balanced diet is sufficient to cover a healthy person's need for vitamins and nutrients.

However, modern realities do not always make healthy eating possible. In the northern regions, fresh fruits and berries are often not available, there are people with allergies and food intolerances. Plus, all fruits and chocolate are high in sugar. The beneficial properties of resveratrol in red wine are offset by alcohol. The optimal solution may be the course intake of the bioactive component as a dietary supplement. It is much more convenient to calculate the correct dosage and get the most benefit without side effects.

The instructions for use differ depending on the form of release and the original raw material from which the resveratrol was extracted. It is usually prescribed 200-300 mg 3-4 times a day. However, dosages of up to 5,000 mg per day have been proven to be safe. But the excess of this norm has not been studied.

Forms of release and contraindications

Pharmaceutical companies use a variety of raw materials to isolate resveratrol. Most often it is the peel and seeds of grapes, sometimes Japanese knotweed or berries are used. The pure, isolated bioflavonoid is packaged in soluble capsules with a basic substance content of 50 to 700 mg. Sometimes it is additionally enriched with vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

The lack of formal research makes the supplement risky for pregnant and lactating women. For the same reason, the remedy cannot be prescribed to children.

With caution and only after agreement with the attending physician, the phytopreparation is taken:

• with other antidiabetic medicines;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• anticoagulants;
• statins;
• hormones and stimulants of the endocrine system.

The dose of resveratrol is prescribed by the doctor - as a rule, no more than 200-300 mg once 3-4 times a day. Side effects and individual intolerance are rare. In some cases, allergies, diarrhea and intestinal motility disorders occur.

Arguments for and against taking resveratrol

Any supplement has supporters and opponents. Each one gives quite weighty reasons. The decision to accept resveratrol or not should be based on individual feelings and expert advice.

The following facts speak against the purchase of dietary supplements:

• the effect of the substance has not been fully studied, and the effectiveness has not been proven;
• marketers pay a lot of attention to promoting superfoods;
• you can get the required amount of antioxidants from food;
• the price of the supplement is artificially high.

The use is justified by the following facts:

• numerous positive reviews from people;
• naturalness and harmlessness of the substance;
• relatively low cost of even the most expensive release option;
• active research and their positive results.

Review of the most popular supplements

There are many resveratrol-based preparations on the market of dietary supplements and sports nutrition. Some of them are better than others and have received approval from doctors, trainers and nutraceuticals.

Top 5:

1. Reserveage Nutrition Resveratrol. Reinutria Japanese and red wine served as plant raw materials for obtaining the active substance. It is the most concentrated formulation with a bioflavonoid content of 500 mg per capsule.
2. Garden of Life Raw Resveratrol. Bioactive components of berries and vegetables are isolated and stabilized in the preparation. A single dose of this supplement is 350 mg.
3. Life Extension Optimized Resveratrol. This is a whole complex of natural antioxidants. Each capsule contains 250 mg of resveratrol.
4. NOW Natural Resveratrol. The concentration of the active substance is 200 mg per unit.
5. Jarrow Formulas Resveratrol. The lowest concentrated form of dietary supplements. It combines resveratrol with vitamin C and is only 100 mg per capsule.

Outcome

Resveratrol is a natural compound with antioxidant, bactericidal and many other beneficial properties. It is found in many products and comes in the form of dietary supplements. Before taking the funds, it is recommended to consult a doctor to exclude contraindications and adverse reactions.

Watch the video: Resveratrol Anti Aging. Its Actually Bad For Us? (November 2024).