If you relate red wine with resveratrol, you’re not mistaken. But do you know where else resveratrol can be found and how it can benefit you? Resveratrol intake, via red wine consumption, is high in the diet of Mediterranean people and is thought to be responsible for the 'French Paradox’ (the observation that French people have lower incidence of heart disease).  On the other hand, 250mg of resveratrol derived from Japanese Giant Knotwood can deliver the equivalent of *365 glasses of red wine!! *based on the average content of a 150mL glass of red wine sourced globally

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound and is produced as part of a plants’ natural defence mechanism against invading fungi, infection, injury or ultraviolet radiation. Not only is resveratrol found in red grapes, it is also found in mulberries, cranberries, peanuts and in very high concentrations within the herb, Japanese Giant Knotweed.

Benefits of Resveratrol

Resveratrol provides numerous health benefits, mainly related to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties which underlie its anti-ageing effect. Resveratrol also provides anti-inflammatory and immune regulating properties and supports healthy connective tissue responsible for supporting and connecting different types of tissues and organs in our body. This gives resveratrol a broad range of important health benefits for our ageing population related to heart and brain health and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver and blood sugar metabolism issues.

Resveratrol: anti-ageing and longevity

Resveratrol is well known for its effect on healthy ageing and longevity. This can be linked to the activation of a specific gene (SIRT1) that delays the onset of age-related conditions and promotes the long term survival of irreplaceable cells. Increasing the response of SIRT1 mimics ‘calorie restriction’ in our body, reliably known to enhance longevity. Free radicals also contribute to the ageing process and are linked to ageing in various tissues where there is increased oxidative stress.

Experimental studies on resveratrol have been shown to:

• extend the lifespan of several species
• improve cognitive function in dementia related conditions
• reduce formation of plaques forming in arteries
• prevent abnormal growth in a variety of body tissues
• reduce fatty liver
• protect neurons (building blocks of the nervous system)
• increase the effect of vitamin D

Clinical studies have shown resveratrol to:

• significantly decrease insulin resistance in people with blood sugar dysfunction
• reduce inflammation and free radicals in healthy volunteers
• mimic ‘calorie restriction’
• support heart health by improving blood flow to the brain

Resveratrol & heart health

Resveratrol’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help maintain heart health by strengthening our antioxidant status, protecting LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol from oxidation, widening our blood vessels for improved circulation, reducing plaque formation in our arteries and maintaining their elasticity.

Anti-ageing regime

Resveratrol is recommended as part of a healthy ageing regime; it can be taken daily alongside other supplements for longevity, such as a well-formulated multivitamin and good quality protein powder. As we get older, our body’s ability to digest and absorb protein diminishes as a result of decreased stomach acid. An example of this is when you observe elderly people in a state of physical wasting.

Mr Vitamins recommends

Herbs of Gold products as part of your healthy ageing regime:

• Herbs of Gold Resveratrol AdvantAGE
• Active 50+ Multi
• Green Power Protein

Find out more about supplements for Longevity and Healthy Ageing