3 Genuine Benefits of Resveratrol

Lets face it. Many people have seen the 60 Minutes or Barbara Walters stories on the benefits of resveratrol but they still don’t really understand what it is or what it does.

Resveratrol is a compound from the flavonoid family found mainly in red grape skins and seeds. Although its existence has been known about since 1941, it was not until 1992 that scientists discovered that it was contained in red wine.

This discovery seemed to fill in some missing pieces of the puzzle of the “French paradox.” Since the days of Joan of Arc, we have been trying to figure out why the French with their high fat, high calorie diet and “oolala” lifestyle have such long lifespans and low rates of heart disease. It had previously been thought that the French habit of drinking 1-2 glasses of red wine per meal was not a factor but researchers now believe that it is important.

1] The most apparent of the benefits of resveratrol is that it is a flavonoid. These are the chemicals that give fruits and vegetables their characteristic flavors and colors. They are also antioxidants that  scavenge unstable oxygen atoms called free radicals. Although they are part of your immune system our bodies usually have many more of these than are necessary. 

A useful analogy is to think of excess free radicals as the bodies version of your car engines exhaust fumes; necessary, but not pleasant to be around. Free radicals have been linked to cancer and over 50 diseases ranging from cataracts to various heart problems. Flavonoids in general are more powerful scavengers than Vitamins A,C or E.

2] Scientists used to think that the main benefit of resveratrol was as just another powerful antioxidant. However, various studies have led them to believe that it plays a major role in stimulating the Sirtuin family of enzymes, in particular Sirt 1. This was what the second 60 Minutes story was about.

Sirt 1 is called the DNA repair gene because it keeps DNA from mutating into cancer. It also is instrumental in slowing down the aging process, reducing our cholesterol and increasing our energy.

The difference is that antioxidants are fixing the results of our bodies inefficiencies. Sirt 1 makes us more efficient to begin with.

3] Last but not the least of the benefits of resveratrol is the safety. The only real side effects are stomach cramping, dizziness and occasional joint pains. However, these were observed only with large doses. Mega supplements of 100mg or more are not needed. Something to keep in mind is that are only about 2-3 mg per bottle of red wine.

In conclusion, resveratrol needs help, not large doses. There are 50 to 60 active flavonoids that survive digestion. All are needed; as are other enzymes and nutrients.

We also do not know the total process of Sirt 1 stimulation. Actually, this lack of knowledge underscores the importance of eating a balanced diet and using a broad range nutritional supplement.