Study Shows Powerful Antioxidant Prevents Disease And May Extend Life

Sept. 29, 2009 - PRLog -- Eating right and exercising are still the cornerstones of all preventative health and wellness plans.  However current research shows that a specific antioxidant called resveratrol may provide additional health benefits beyond what you get from exercise and good nutrition alone.

Resveratrol is unique among antioxidants in that it actually crosses the blood brain barrier.   It can thus offer protection from free-radical damage in the brain.  This may account for how it helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease.   Additionally, resveratrol has been shown to lower blood pressure, protect the heart and vascular system, reduce overall inflammation and inhibits the proliferation and spread of many different cancers (including breast, prostate, thyroid, stomach, colon and pancreatic).

Where does resveratrol come from?   One of the most concentrated forms of resveratrol comes from red wine.   The health benefits of drinking red wine have been well established (particularly with its benefits of improving cardiovascular health).   It is the resveratrol in the skin of red and purple grapes which confers this health benefit.    Moderate alcohol consumption has consistently been associated with 20% to 30% reductions in coronary artery disease. Other sources of resveratrol include purple grape juice, cranberries, blueberries and peanuts.   Additionally resveratrol is available as a concentrated nutritional supplement (available through many companies).  

Is resveratrol safe for everyone?   Resveratrol is not known to be toxic or have side effects in humans.  However, one of the effects of resveratrol is it inhibits platelet aggregation (thus acting as a blood thinner). Anyone who is taking an anti-coagulant should talk to their doctor first before taking resveratrol.

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