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Resveratrol is a naturally occurring organic compound belonging to a group known as polyphenols. It occurs in over 70 species of plants and is commonly found in seeds and skins of red grapes, peanuts, berries, and other fruits.

Polyphenols have antioxidant properties and are thought to protect the human body against heart diseases, cancer, and other damaging diseases. There is a growing demand for Resveratrol supplements because of the research highlighting the potential benefits of this substance. Most of the resveratrol supplements come from a plant named Polygonum cuspidatum while others are made from extracts of red grape or wine.

Resveratrol has been a focus of researchers for its anti-aging properties for the last three decades. Many lab studies have been conducted since the 1990s to explore the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties of this substance.

Benefits of Resveratrol

A large number of studies have explored the benefits of resveratrol in the human body. While more research is needed to conclusively establish its benefits, early research points to a range of promising benefits. The following figure shows a summary of the health benefits of resveratrol as evidenced in published peer-reviewed studies.

 

Heart Disease

Resveratrol is beneficial in improving cardiovascular function, especially for diabetic patients. A study conducted by Francesca Delucchi and her team found out that when type-1 diabetic rats were subjected to resveratrol treatment, there was a distinct reduction in their cardiac progenitor cell dysfunction. Resveratrol improved cardiovascular health in humans by improving the levels of plasma BNP, interstitial fibrosis, contractile remodelling, and better left ventricle function.

Anticancer Properties

Resveratrol has also exhibited antitumor and anticancer properties in many studies. According to one a review paper summarized the anticancer properties of resveratrol, based on the results of various studies, in the following word:

Resveratrol also exhibit antitumor activity, and is considered a potential candidate for prevention and treatment of several types of cancer. Indeed, resveratrol anticancer properties have been confirmed by many in vitro and in vivo studies, which shows that resveratrol is able to inhibit all carcinogenesis stages (e.g., initiation, promotion and progression).

This is why resveratrol is being considered as a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of many different types of cancers. The anticancer properties of this substance have been proven through human and animal studies, both in Vitro and Vivo.

Weight Loss

One of the most prominent benefits of resveratrol comes in the form of its effectiveness as a weight-loss supplement. A range of studies has tied resveratrol to weight loss. A 2020 meta-analysis carried out by Reza Tabrizi and the team has established the efficacy of resveratrol in reducing weight. The paper concluded in the following words:

Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that resveratrol intake significantly reduced weight, BMI, WC and fat mass, and significantly increased lean mass, but did not affect leptin and adiponectin levels.

The meta-analysis study explored a total of 36 randomized control trials and found significant evidence of weight loss properties of resveratrol in these studies.

Antioxidant Effects

Resveratrol may have many chemical properties but the most notable chemical property of the substance is its ability to function as an antioxidant agent. Several studies have verified the antioxidant properties of resveratrol. Ashim Malhotra and his team conducted a study in 2015 that highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol. The study also noted the benefits of the substance in activating SiRT1 and its protective effects against multiple types of acute kidney diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Resveratrol is also widely known for its anti-inflammatory effects in humans. The substance has shown anti-inflammatory activity in multiple areas of the body. A recent study by Jinsong Chen has proven that resveratrol reduces inflammation in vascular endothelial cells. The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of resveratrol make it a perfect candidate for protection against Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. Furthermore, it is also used for remedying skin inflammation and arthritis because of its efficacy as an anti-inflammation agent.

Other Notable Benefits

Apart from the benefits mentioned above, resveratrol is also helpful in increasing skin hydration, protecting against solar radiation, and reversing photo-aging. It has also been credited with slowing down the process of skin aging because of its tightening and moisturizing properties.

Resveratrol Products in the Market

After exploring the benefits of resveratrol, it is important to look at the various Resveratrol products available in the market. While there are many options available, the following three products have been selected from the industry leaders in the anti-aging field.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Resveratrol safe to consume?

Studies have found resveratrol to be safe for consumption. However, there is no data available for the safety of resveratrol for pregnant and lactating women. Furthermore, it is recommended that women with a history of estrogen-sensitive conditions should avoid resveratrol.

2. How much resveratrol should I consume?

Dosage for resveratrol would vary greatly depending upon the reason you are consuming it. However, studies have found resveratrol to be safe for consumption in high doses. One study concluded the following about resveratrol doses, “at lower dose, resveratrol can be very useful in maintaining the human health whereas, at higher dose, resveratrol has pro-apoptotic actions on healthy cells, but can kill tumor cells”.

3. What are the side effects of resveratrol?

For people taking 500 mg per day, no side effects were reported by a study. Another study found out that when resveratrol is taken in a high dosage of 1000 mg per day, some gastrointestinal side effects were found such as diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, and nausea. The severity of these side effects was mild to moderate.