Resveratrol: Is It Worthy of Study?

Posted by in Health & Fitness

Medicinal herbs and supplements are becoming more popular every year. One of the most popular new supplements that has just begun making a splash in the marketplace over the last few years is known as resveratrol. Still, even though it is very popular with marketers and the press, most people still don’t quite understand what it is and what it does.

Resveratrol being an antioxidant is what provides many of its health benefits. One of the byproducts of the body’s day to day operations is something known as a free radical. They can also enter the body from the environment. The reason that free radicals are so dangerous is because they start a process in which molecules have their electrons removed by free radicals, thus becoming free radicals themselves and taking electrons from other molecules. When material gets transferred between molecules like this, there exists a probability that cellular damage is done, and is done more often when more free radicals are present in the body.

Antioxidants are great because they can give free radicals the electrons they want without having to continue the process. This is part of why people take resveratrol. Red wine contains resveratrol, as do red grapes and grape seed extract.

Resveratrol is suspected as holding benefit when it comes to a wide range of medical problems. It is believed to improve cardiovascular health and kidney function, as well as benefit weight loss through improved energy levels and better sleep. Since there is so much potential for benefit when it comes to health, resveretrol certainly warrants in-depth scientific study to determine just how extensive the potential benefits can be.

And that study is currently underway through the use of animal models. While the outlook is promising, most of the work is still in its early stages. Mice who take resveratrol have an increase in the oxygen levels in their mitochondria, as well as their muscle. Enzyme and protein production in the bodies of mice taking resveratrol were also observed to be higher than normal. There is speculation that these production rises will help to not only prevent some degenerative diseases, but also to slow the effects of aging on the body. One study found that mice who used resveratrol had an increase in longevity that was very similar to the increase observed when they were using a very restricted caloric diet. More studies need to be done to rule out the possibility that this result was just a fluke, though.

Until then, there are plenty of different forms of resveratrol on the market that you could potentially try.  When it comes to resveratrol Jarrow Formulas, among many other manufacturers, create quite a few different potential versions to try.