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What is the difference between Pterostilbene vs. Resveratrol?
Both are natural compounds that occur in grapes and are being studies for their life-extension and nootropic effects.
These two anti-aging supplements have both received praise from the scientific community recently for their health-boosting properties.
There are some key similarities between Pterostilbene and Resveratrol and many individuals use these substances together. However, there are also a number of differences that may factor into your decision about which to use.
Heart Health
Longevity
Cognition- 4x more bioavailable than Resveratrol
- Powerful anti-oxidant for longevity support
- Reduces cortisol for sleep, stress & weight loss
Pterostilbene and Resveratrol Comparison
Related Topics
Both Pterostilbene and Resveratrol are considered to be within the classification of stilbenoids, which are plant-like compounds that act as phytoalexins.
These are substances that are known to have many types of health benefits.
Resveratrol is most commonly found in grapes and the wine made from those grapes; Pterostilbene is also found in grapes and blueberries primarily.
These supplements have both become more and more popular in recent years, although Resveratrol has been around longer. In fact, Resveratrol has achieved much of its popularity through its action as a potent anti-oxidant.
Studies found that taking Resveratrol can significantly improve lifespan and the immune system. It is even thought to have anti-cancer fighting properties.
The same holds true for Pterostilbene. There is a lot of evidence suggesting that this newer supplement possess many of the same properties of Resveratrol and is also more powerful in a number of areas.
Benefits of Resveratrol
Resveratrol has been associated with something known as the ‘French Paradox.’ This is a reference to why the French diet can be so high in fatty foods like cheeses and red meat along with red wine, yet the people seem to maintain good health.
The reason is thought to be the Resveratrol benefits contained primarily in their consumption of the red wine.
Resveratrol acts as a powerful anti-oxidant. This means that it is capable of removing free radicals and other toxins/poisons from the body. This helps to make all your various organs function better, and even offer them some level of protection from future decline and loss of function.
This also may lead to other well-known Resveratrol benefits, such as protection against cancer and even a reduction in the risk of developing cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Resveratrol is also thought to have a number of additional benefits. It is considered to help improve the circulation, increasing blood flow where needed.
Not only this, but it also has the ability to help reduce inflammation, which is normally considered to be one of the primary markers of disease. There are some researchers who would go so far as to say all disease first begins with inflammation.
Resveratrol also helps to reduce the risk of diabetes and it enhances energy and endurance.
Anti-Aging Heart Health
Energy Metabolism- Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
- Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
- Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow
Benefits of Pterostilbene:
Many of the benefits associated with Resveratrol also apply to Pterostilbene. For example, it is helpful at reducing the risk of developing heart disease. It fights against the hardening of the arteries, which is generally the first step in the development of heart disease.
It is thought to help inhibit the buildup of LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol. There is also evidence to suggest that this supplement may help fight oxidative stress, another key factor in the development of heart disease.
Pterostilbene is also a highly effective anti-oxidant which can promote the removal of toxins and other damaging compounds from the body. This can not only protect you against developing cancer, it can also hinder the growth of certain cancers.
This is possible because Pterostilbene alters cancer cell cycles and changes their so-called ‘pre-programmed’ cell death (apoptosis). Metastasis, or the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another, is prevented at least to some degree.
Cognitive function may also be improved by Pterostilbene supplementation. This supplement increases the production of a peptide substance known as insulin-like growth factor-I.
This substance is considered to be very important in the growth of blood vessels and neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain.
This region of the brain is tied directly to memory functions and an increase in blood supply and oxygen may lead to dramatic long-term improvements in cognitive performance. Some early evidence suggests that this could be helpful in treating conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Pterostilbene vs. Resveratrol—Which Is Better?
Give all that information, is it better to use Resveratrol or Pterostilbene? One way to answer this question is by measuring the potency of the two.
In this respect, Pterostilbene is considered to be stronger than Resveratrol because it is more bio-available and has a greater effect on brain function. Pterostilbene has also been shown to modulate markers of cellular stress and inflammation. These effects have not been demonstrated with Resveratrol.
Many researchers consider Pterostilbene to be a more powerful or improved version of Resveratrol. However, recently it has become common to use the two in a stack since there are some areas in which Resveratrol may out-perform Pterostilbene.
A combination of the two is the best way to maximize your results when taking these supplements so you derive the greatest benefits for your overall cellular health.
Side Effects & Safety of Pterostilbene & Resveratrol:
Both Pterostilbene and Resveratrol are very safe and are incredibly well-tolerated in adults. Few side effects have been reported with either of these natural compounds.
As far as long-term effects go, there does not seem to be any kind of toxicity associated with either of these. Even excessively large dosages have not been associated with side effects save for some temporary mild stomach discomfort.
The dosage you decide to use should be based on your own health needs and personal sensitivity level. Before adding either Pterostilbene or Resveratrol to your supplementation routine, it is always best to contact a physician for advice.
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Article last updated on: March 29th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
I’m 60 days on pterostilbene, while maintaining a 1500 mg dosage of slow release metformin. For over a year I was enrolled in a clinical trial of a test
pharma drug under study by a huge un-named company. With 1500 mgg
of metformin I was finger-sticking an average of 135 after 8 hours of fasting.
NOT GOOD. I concluded that I was on a placebo after those poor results.
Since I had to remain in the study for about a month, after notice, I read
all the current material I could find on ptereostilbene. Food sups were OK
under the study guidelines, with disclosure. Within a few days my awful
135 average slipped down to around 100, and went lower a week later when
I added live blueberries (only about 15 with each capsule) along with cheaper strawberries, & rasberries.. My purpose was not to bring more of the concentrate into the mix, but rather to fool the complex of nerves in the GI tract to leaving the pterostilbene longer in my digestive system. The trick
may be working, because gradually, I lost 16 lbs. eating about 1200 calories
each day. Now my resulting numbers run from 72 to about 99…with 2 fasting
periods per day. My blood pressure went down noticabibly, and my urination
interval went from every 55 minutes in June, to 4 hours or better, now! Just
so you know I have dealt with diabetes for over 15 years ,with little control.
I should point out that the same pterostilbene is testing well in rat studies
at perhaps 20 university labs against mammalian cancers, as well as dementia & alzheimer’s. This natural substance may change the world for
aging millions…PERHAPS.
Pleas correct spacing issues on the above posting…sorry. A.S.