The Secrets of Resveratrol Health Benefits

Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant found in certain fruits, vegetables and cocoa that is emerging as a modern-day fountain of youth. The science surrounding this compound is so compelling that it has become one of my all-time favorite antioxidants, and I believe one that shows real promise of health benefits.

Resveratrol is typically associated with grapes and red wine, and was originally believed to be the reason for the so-called “French Paradox” -- the tendency for French people to have great cardiovascular health despite a “poor” diet and love for wine.

This newest study reveals one way in which resveratrol helps to protect your health, and that is by preventing your body from sphingosine kinase and phospholipase D -- two molecules known to trigger inflammation.

While inflammation is a natural response in your body (it’s a process in which your body’s white blood cells protect you from outside invaders such as bacteria and viruses), it’s possible for your body to exist in a chronically inflamed state.

Chronic inflammation is not a beneficial bodily response, and in fact has been linked to numerous chronic diseases including heart disease.

What Makes Resveratrol a Unique Antioxidant

Resveratrol is unique among antioxidants because it can cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect your brain and nervous system, and studies show that its benefits are wide reaching, including:

• Protecting your cells from free radical damage • Inhibiting the spread of cancer, especially prostate cancer • Lowering your blood pressure • Keeping your heart healthy and improving elasticity in your blood vessels • Normalizing your anti-inflammatory response • Helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Because resveratrol appears to be so effective at warding off many diseases associated with aging, it is often referred to a “fountain of youth” that can extend lifespan.

Already, animal studies have shown that resveratrol helped overweight mice run farther and live about 20 percent longer. It has even been found to increase the lifespan of human cells.

Resveratrol also seems to produce many similar benefits as exercise, and I suspect it would be a powerful addition to exercise. I personally take resveratrol because of this belief.