Resveratrol is a phytoalexin, typically found in the skin of grapes and in red wine. A phytoalexin is a type of natural antibiotic produced by the grape as part of its defensive or immune system.
Resveratrol was discovered in the mid 1990’s by scientists in the United States. Since then, Resveratrol from red wine extract has been sold in a variety of different supplements and has become increasingly popular due to its many reported health benefits.
Resveratrol is found on the vines, in the leafs, in the roots and even in the seeds of different grape plants but studies that have been conducted that show that the highest quantity can be found in the skin.
It has also been noted the grapes for wine grown in cooler climates contain more resveratrol than grapes grown in hot climates. This is because the grape plant is more susceptible to infection in colder climates and thus the plant activates its defense system and this in turn causes resveratrol production.
The more active the immune system in the plant, the more resveratrol that can be found.



- Anti-oxidant used to fight signs of aging
- Improves mitochondrial health & energy metabolism
- Reduces inflammation & increases blood flow
Resveratrol and Red Wine
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So what exactly is the connection between resveratrol and red wine?
Resveratrol is found in many type of grape plants which are typically used to make red and white wines.
The most common grape plants where resveratrol can be found include vitis vinifera, labrusca, and muscadine grapes.
The concentration of resveratrol in a bottle of wine depends on the fermentation process and the length of time the skin is kept on the grape. For example, higher quantities can be found in red wine as opposed to white wine or rosé, because the skin is removed from the fermentation process quite early in the production of white wine.
The skins of some grapes can contain as much as 100mg of resveratrol per 1g. The production of red wine retains a lot of this chemical because the grape skin are left intact for longer.
However, grape juice is not a good source of resveratrol because there is no fermentation process.
Drinking Red Wine – Is it good for you?
It has long been known that there are certain health benefits from drinking red wine in moderation. But, like most forms of alcohol, excessive consumption of red wine counters the positive effects and can even cause some types of illnesses.
Although red wine contains many ingredients that are good for you, it is recommended that you moderate your consumption in order to get the best possible health benefits.
In addition to resveratrol, red wine contains a variety of naturally occurring antioxidants which help the immune system to function at is best. It recommended to always read the label when choosing wine and ensure that no chemicals or flavor enhancers have been added to the process.
The French Paradox and Resveratrol?
The French paradox is a term that has long been linked to resveratrol and red wine. This concept is used by several companies that sell supplements of resveratrol to advertise the positive benefits of the supplements.
The French paradox is based on the fact that the French people don’t appear to have the same heart problems, obesity and general health issues associated with a high fat diet, despite having a diet that seems to be high in fat.
For decades, nutritionist in the United States have considered it a paradox that the French community doesn’t suffer from these problem to the same degree as people in the U.S. Why is this? And could resveratrol and red wine be the answer?
Some people have suggested that this paradox is based exclusively on resveratrol and red wine and claim they have discovered the secret. It is true that resveratrol seems to reduce some of the harmful effects associated with eating a diet that is high in fact. However, this does not provide all ofthe answers.
When comparing one diet and culture to another one, there are usually a number of chemical components and lifestyle choices that can be contrasted. Climate, quality of life, portion control and a varied diet of fruits and vegetables are all vital factors in making this determination.
There is a vast amount of marketing information out there about resveratrol and red wine but it is important to be discerning and to separate marketing from scientific fact.
Should You Use Resveratrol?
Resveratrol shows a number of promising benefits with low risk of side effects, but there has not yet been a large enough body of conclusive studies published on resveratrol. At the time of writing, there have been few major studies carried out using humans and most research has been conducted on experimental animals.
That being said, due to the excellent safety profile of the supplement, there is no risk to using this natural extract for most people.
Users report positive results from personal experiences with resveratrol supplementation for conditions including high cholesterol, obesity, fatigue, skin care and more.
Another supplement, Pterostilbene, may increase the effectiveness when taken together with this anti-oxidant. While a glass of red wine a day might provide a good source of resveratrol, larger dosages are best obtained from supplements and not from over-consumption of alcohol.
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Article last updated on: May 10th, 2018 by Nootriment