Table of Contents
What is Resveratrol
Resveratrol is one of the primary compounds that make red wine really healthy. Some people believe that this is the compound that has the potency to extend one’s lifespan. However, there isn’t much evidence or support for that theory.
Grapes produce a lot of resveratrol as a defense against toxins from the environment. Although the belief that it can increase one’s lifespan is quite popular, most of the research in that area is on animal subjects. No human trials to validate the claim or theory have been performed to date.
Nevertheless, since resveratrol is one of the compounds known as polyphenols, it has a lot of health benefits. Some people even compare the effects of this compound with that of other bioflavonoids.
What plant(s) is Resveratrol extracted from?
Resveratrol can be extracted from a variety of plant and herbal sources. It is quite abundant in the skin of grapes – mainly grapes sourced from humid areas. It is believed that grapes grown in humid areas tend to produce more of this polyphenol to fight off the increased growth of fungus whereas grapes grown in more arid areas do not need to.
Grape skin is not the only source of this beneficial compound. It can also be extracted from berries and peanuts. Some manufacturers of resveratrol supplements use grape skin, mainly from red grapes, while others manufacture theirs from Japanese knotwood (Polygonum cuspidatum).
Mechanism of AMPK activation
Comparable to the action of other bioflavonoids, resveratrol can beneficially influence the body’s fat cell production. That means it can be used for long term fat loss. It is also found to regulate and reduce blood pressure.
According to studies, resveratrol promotes AMPK activation (click here to see the review). However, the underlying mechanism for such activation is still unknown. That means more research in this field is still necessary.
Effects from Taking Resveratrol
In a separate study, it has been found that resveratrol can influence the increase of brown-like adipocytes that can be found in white adipose tissue. That means there is potential for this dietary polyphenol for use in the prevention of obesity.
This compound has gained quite a following and it has attracted a lot of attention from medical experts, health buffs, and supplement marketers looking to make some good money with this supplement.
A lot of hype was created purporting its anti-aging and life extending benefits, however, as stated earlier, that is yet to be seen. Nevertheless, you don’t want to proverbially throw the baby with the bathwater when discussing resveratrol.
Even though the evidence for its benefits isn’t as abundant as we would like, it still cannot be denied that there is evidence for the other health benefits of this dietary polyphenol.
Alzheimer’s Disease: it is believed that this beneficial dietary compound can protect the nerve cells. It can help prevent the buildup of plaque and nerve damage. These often lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Data from one study suggests that there is potential in resveratrol for its use as a treatment for this condition. Click here to see the details.
Heart Disease: It is also believed that this polyphenol compound can lower LDL levels (i.e. the bad cholesterol) and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. It may also help prevent the formation of blood clots. These benefits help prevent the onset of a heart attack.
Cancer Prevention: It is also believed that resveratrol can help prevent or at least limit the spread of cancer cells in the body. Some even suggest that this compound helps in killing off cancer cells. Of course that theory still needs some solid evidence.
Diabetes Prevention: It has been observed that this dietary polyphenol can help in the prevention of insulin resistance, a condition where the body begins to have lesser sensitivity to insulin (i.e. the hormone that lowers blood sugar levels).
Obesity Treatment: It believed that resveratrol can help protect the body against obesity and other diseases related to aging. It has been observed that this polyphenol can activate the SIRT1 gene. That is the gene that helps prevent obesity.
Inflammation: Some health experts recommend the regular intake of resveratrol for the reduction or prevention of inflammation in the body. It should be noted however this this is not the only method at managing inflammation.
Those suffering from inflammation should also avoid trans fats, food cooked in really high temperatures, eating too much sugar and grains, and the intake of oxidized cholesterol. Don’t expect to see a reduction in inflammation if you still take in the above mentioned foods.
Indications and Contraindications
Resveratrol goes well with other AMPK activators, which include other bioflavonoids. That means you can take this dietary polyphenol along with other compounds such as quercetin and soy isoflavones.
Quercetin is actually goes well with this polyphenol since it increases the bioavailability of resveratrol. Taking Calcium-D-Glucarate along with this compound increases its anti-oxidative properties. Resveratrol also works well with melatonin, which increases its cardio protective and neuro protective properties.
It should be noted that resveratrol does not go well with mTOR activators. An example of such an activator is Leucine.
Resveratrol Dosage
It should be noted here that supplementing with reservetrol simply means using mainly trans-reservatrol and not the other forms of this compound.
Those who are suffering from certain health conditions such as insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health issues, and other health issues, they should go for the lower end of dosage requirements or supplementation. Simply put, they should supplement daily at 5 to 10 mg per dose.
People who are considered healthy or those who are seeking regular health maintenance but are not suffering any considerable health issues, it is recommended that they supplement with reservatrol anywhere from 150 mg to 445 mg. Note that there is still no known optimal dose for supplementation.
Those who are supplementing with this compound for the purpose of improved cerebral blood flow they should take a 250 mg to 500 mg dose of reservatrol. On the other hand, people who are supplementing with this polyphenol compound for aromatase inhibition should take dosages of 500 mg daily.