Resveratrol Anti-Oxidant Supplement Benefits – Mechanisms of Action

Resveratrol is an anti-oxidant that is recognized for its anti-aging effects.

Resveratrol (3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene) occurs naturally, in high concentration, on the skin of grapes. For this reason it is found in very high quantities in wine, particularly red wine. It is released during the fermentation process, which is why it is not found in grape fruit juice.

It was discovered in the 1990’s by an American scientist named David Sinclair at Harvard University. Since then, a lot of research has been conducted on resveratrol and the benefits it may have.

We still do not have all the necessary information on how exactly resveratrol works in the human body. Most of the claims that manufacturers of resveratrol make, are still under investigation.

There have been no long term study into the anti-aging and health benefits of resveratrol on humans. Animal test, particularly with rats, pigs and monkeys have shown positive results for healthier aging and longer life. It is possible that the same effect could be experienced with humans.

Resveratrol occurs naturally in some plants. It is a natural anti-oxidant that plants produce as part of their defense system. Since its discovery in recent years, it has been used as a supplement in human digestion to boost the immune system and potentially prolong the healthy aging process.

Resveratrol

Anti-Oxidant Supplement

Anti-Aging

Heart Health

Energy Metabolism

How It Works:

• Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
• Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
• Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow

Dosage:

Between 150 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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What are Antioxidants?

There are many different examples of antioxidants in the world.

Some antioxidants occur naturally while others can be engineered synthetically.

In broad terms, an antioxidant is a molecule which stop other molecules from oxidizing. While oxidizing cells is a completely natural process, reducing the effects or speed of cell oxidation in the body can be beneficial for your health.

Oxidation reduces the number of electrons in the cell but the process also creates free radicals which can be harmful. Free radicals are unpaired electrons that are produced during normal metabolic functions.

Free radicals are highly reactive and can react with other cells in the body with negative consequences such as illness or aliments in the skin. As we age, our skin becomes wrinkled. This is a result of our body producing errors in our DNA caused by the highly reactive free radicals.

While free radicals and the oxidation process are impossible to avoid, it is of benefit to control this process and keep the quantities of free radical cells to an absolute minimum. This is the benefit that antioxidants like resveratrol can offer.

Antioxidants destroy free radicals and prevent the damage they would otherwise cause to cells and DNA. It is for this reason that there is a strong link between antioxidants and anti-aging.

Resveratrol as an Antioxidant

There is scientific evidence which suggests that resveratrol can have a powerful antioxidant effect on the body.

Resveratrol is a stilbenoid, similar to pterostilbene,  which is produced by plants when they need to repair themselves from injury or depend against attacks from pathogens.

The effects of this supplement are believed to mimic the biochemical benefits of eating a calorie-restricted diet.

In vitro studies show that treating cells with resveratrol results in a 14-fold increase in the actions of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) which is a mitochondrial anti-oxidant. This chemical is activated in the mitochondria of the cell to detoxify free radicals.

Anti-oxidant benefits of resveratrol have been shown in research to result in prolonged life, healthier aging and healthier cells. Scientists at the Harvard University, who are investigating this supplement believe that resveratrol may hold the key to keeping our cells healthier for longer.

Nothing can completely stop aging, but the anti-oxidant effects of resveratrol may slow down the process. Taking this natural plant polyphenol may reduce the possibilities of developing serious illnesses typically associated with old age such as dementia or poor circulation problems.

Another potential benefit is in the prevention of cancer. Resveratrol has been found to interfere with all of the stages of carcinogenesis that lead to the development of cancer.

Cell culture studies show that this supplement inhibits the initiation, promotion and progression of cancer due to several mechanisms of action, including anti-oxidant effects.

Is it Safe to take Resveratrol?

The effects of resveratrol as an antioxidant is clear, but there a number of additional ways to get antioxidants into your body. Antioxidants occur naturally and in high quantities in many foods that you probably consume on a daily basis, such as tomatoes or fruits that are very high in Vitamin C.

By supplementing your diet with resveratrol, it may be possible to increase the body’s natural defense system.

As with any type of supplement, you are strongly advised to do as much research online as possible to make sure that it is the right supplement for you.

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you should consult your doctor before taking resveratrol anti-oxidants or any supplement.

It is also important to read the label and use the product as directed. Different resveratrol supplements contain different doses of the compound. You should compare several products before deciding which to buy.

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