subject: Can Resveratrol Minimise Inflammation? [print this page] Resveratrol is a stilbenoid (natural nutrients with various health boosting properties) that can be found in grapes and wine. It has been linked with a wide range of health benefits such as cancer prevention, a reduced risk of heart disease and a longer life. But does it really do all this? In this article I will be taking a detailed look at resveratrol and answering that very question.
1) DISCOVERY:
Resveratrol was discovered and isolated by M. Takaoka in 1939.
2) HEALTH BENEFITS:
Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that can protect your body's cells from free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous by-products that enter your body's cells during oxygen based reactions. They have been associated with cancer (a health disorder that causes your body's cells to grow in a rapid, out of control way), diabetes (a health disorder that causes your blood glucose levels to reach dangerously high levels), premature ageing and a weak immune system. As an antioxidant, this stilbenoid can help you avoid these nasty effects of free radicals.
However, the main interest in resveratrol is due to its other potential health benefits. Early evidence indicates that it may be able to prevent prevent Alzheimer's disease (a mental disorder that leads to memory loss, thought problems and speech problems), atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form in the artery walls, restrict the flow of blood and increase your heart disease risk), unnecessary inflammation, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. In addition to this, it may be able to extend the lifespan of individuals who consume a high calorie diet.
Unfortunately, despite having a lot of potential when it comes to health, no human clinical trials have been performed on this stilbenoid. So whilst it is a powerful antioxidant, further research is required before these potential health benefits can be confirmed in humans.
3) RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE (RDA)
Since resveratrol is not believed to be essential for human survival no official RDA has been set. However, some sources recommend taking between 20 milligrams (mg) and 40mg of this stilbenoid per day.
4) FOOD SOURCES:
As discussed earlier, grapes and wine are the best food source of resveratrol. Red grapes contain up to 0.78mg of this stilbenoid per 100 grams (g) whilst red wine contains up to 0.72mg of this stilbenoid per 100 millilitres (ml). Rose wine is also a good choice and contains up to 0.35mg of this stilbenoid per 100ml. Cocoa powder (up to 0.23mg per 100g) and peanuts (up to 0.18mg per 100g) also contain some resveratrol.
5) SUMMARY:
The provisional studies on resveratrol show a lot of potential and indicate that this natural nutrient has a significant protective role in humans. However, until these health boosting properties are fully confirmed you should not use this stilbenoid to treat health disorders. By all means include natural food sources of this stilbenoid in your diet. Just make sure you do not rely on it as the solution to every health problem out there.
