subject: Can The Stilbenoids Keep You Safe From Free Radicals? [print this page] The stilbenoids are group of plant based nutrients that have a number of possible benefits in humans. Early research has shown that these natural nutrients may fight nasty free radicals, protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays and more. In this article I take a deeper look at 4 possible stilbenoid benefits.
1) FIGHTING FREE RADICALS:
Free radicals are nasty substances that get released into your body's cells during oxygen based reactions. They are believed to cause cancer (a health disorder where your body's cells start to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way), cause diabetes (a health disorder where which causes your blood glucose levels to become extremely high), increase premature signs of ageing and weaken your immune system. The good news is that the stilbenoids can keep you safe from these dangerous free radicals and their harmful effects by acting as antioxidants (substances that protect the body's cells from free radicals).
2) PREVENTING LIVER DAMAGE:
Your liver is responsible for removing harmful toxins from the body. Provisional research suggests that the stilbenoids may be able to protect if from damage. However, further research is required before these protective properties can be confirmed.
3) PROTECTING AGAINST ULTRAVIOLET (UV) DAMAGE:
1 of the promising stilbenoid benefits is that they may be able to keep you safe from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Early studies suggest that these plant based nutrients may stop these harmful rays damaging the skin cells. However, additional studies are needed before this can be confirmed.
4) REDUCING UNNECESSARY INFLAMMATION:
Inflammation is the body's natural way of dealing with injury, irritation or stress. It leads to heat, pain, redness and swelling around the affected area. Although it is unpleasant, most of the time inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process. However, in some circumstance inflammation is unnecessary and actually damages your body's cells when there is no threat to deal with. Fortunately, provisional research indicates that the stilbenoids might be able to protect against unnecessary inflammation by acting as anti-inflammatories (substances that minimise unnecessary inflammation). However, further research is required before this can be confirmed.
SUMMARY:
The stilbenoids have a lot of potential in humans. However, although these health benefits look very promising on paper, clinical trials on humans are needed before they can be confirmed. Including stilbenoid rich foods such as blueberries, grapes and red wine in your diet is still a good choice as they contain other health boosting vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Just be realistic with your expectations when eating these foods.