Resveratrol As An Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Aging Supplement

Resveratrol is produced naturally by several plants, and can be produced as a derivative of Japanese knotweed. It has shown anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits, as well as beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels. It can be naturally found in such things as the skin of red grapes, and of course is contained in red wine.

In Resveratrol studies conducted using a short-lived type of fish as the subject, the compound extended the lifespan of the fish by 56%. The hypothesis was that this effect was due to a buildup of the compound in the bodies of the fish since the older fish (who had been receiving Reseveratrol for a longer time) seemed to benefit more than did younger fish. It is now known that Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant and may have some ability to slow down some of the physical effects of aging.

Natural Resveratrol is found in red wine because of the content of the red grape skins during fermentation, as opposed to white wines where the skin is removed. Other things like blueberries, cranberries, mulberries and peanuts also contain Resveratrol, but only about ten percent of that found in grapes.

Resveratrol has gained a lot of media exposure thanks to the accolade given to the compound by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Oprah Winfrey on her program. This praise has fostered a great deal in the potential of Resveratrol supplements to provide health benefits. While these supplements were once generally derived from grape seeds and skins but are now usually made with an extract from the root of the Japanese knotwood plant.

Among the effects of Resveratrol are a possible improvement of the memory of users and the compound also seems to be beneficial in regulating estrogen levels in post menopausal women, which in these women seems to be partly responsible for its anti aging effects. However, Resveratrol is beneficial in slowing down some of the physical effects of aging in persons of both genders and all ages, which makes them feel; and look younger.

The problem with Resveratrol is this: it stays in the system for a very short time, so it is difficult to produce a lasting increase in an individual’s levels of the compound. This has led many to question how useful Resveratrol really is. Work is continuing to find a more effective method of delivering Resveratrol for a longer lasting effect.

Resveratrol supplements are now usually made from an extract of the Japanese knotwood. While often knocked as an invasive weed, it seems the humble knotwood may have the last laugh thanks to its high Resveratrol content. If you’re looking at the labels of supplements, you may see the plant called by its Chinese name (Hu Zhang) or by its botanical one (Fallopian Japonica) or by the common nickname Japanese Bamboo.

By any name, this plant is an excellent source of Resveratrol and thanks to its health benefits and endorsements by high profile figures such as Winfrey and Oz, it seems that this is a plant which has finally found a purpose; helping people to live longer, healthier lives.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!