Resveratrol Uses That Ensure Good Health

Following a healthy diet has many benefits, including improved heart health, immunity against disease, and better mental health. One such important dietary component is resveratrol which acts like antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties and protects your body against damage that may lead to life-risking diseases like cancer and heart problems. Due to extensive resveratrol uses, it has gained a lot of attention for its reported disease-fighting powers and other health benefits but does this really stand on what it promises? Read on to find out. 

What is Resveratrol? 

Resveratrol — a phytoalexin, is a productive antibiotic produced by plants in response to stress such as fungal attack or inflammation. Resveratrol helps plants resist disease and stay healthy. Resveratrol benefits include providing longevity, anti-inflammatory benefits, heart health, and anti-cancer properties. 

Through a variety of mechanisms, Resveratrol is believed to not only make you stronger with positive effects on your health but also helps reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol, and even limit the spread of cancer cells. It is also believed to protect nerve cells as well as lend anti-ageing benefits. 

Health Benefits of Resveratrol 

Resveratrol belongs to a class of antioxidants called polyphenols and has a lot of health benefits to talk about. Let us understand some of the resveratrol uses in detail: 

1. Helps Control and Lower Blood Pressure

Due to its antioxidant properties, resveratrol benefits in controlling and lowering blood pressure. Studies have shown that it can help to produce more nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

2. Has a Positive Effect on Blood Fat

Resveratrol uses can alter blood fat levels in a healthy way. It appears to affect cholesterol levels by reducing the effectiveness of enzymes that regulate cholesterol production and as an antioxidant, it may reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol.

3. May Ensure Longevity

There is evidence that one of the resveratrol uses includes activating certain genes that prevent aging, thereby extending lifespan to some extent and helping promote health and longevity.

4. Protects the Brain

Several studies have shown that due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, drinking red wine and having resveratrol in your diet may protect the brain from cell damage in part. 

5. May Increase Insulin Sensitivity

Resveratrol uses for diabetes include increasing insulin sensitivity and preventing diabetic complications. It can protect against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and activate AMPK – a protein that helps the body metabolize glucose.

6. May Relieve Joint Pain

Arthritis is a common condition that leads to joint pain and loss of mobility. Resveratrol benefits in relieving joint pain by preventing the destruction of cartilage – one of the main symptoms of joint pain and arthritis.

7. May Inhibit Cancer Cells

Resveratrol sources, when included in the everyday diet or taken as a supplement, have an amazing ability to prevent and restrict the growth of cancer. Studies indicate resveratrol blocks the spread of cancer, alters gene expression, and exhibits altered hormonal effects. 

8. Helps Improve Eyesight

Resveratrol sources have also shown their capability in improving vision in people with weak eyesight. Studies state that consuming resveratrol benefits in improving overall eye health as well. 

Best Foods with Resveratrol

If you’ve been told that red wine can help lower cholesterol levels, you’ve probably heard of resveratrol. Berries, grapes, cocoa, and many other whole foods can taste as good as a bottle of burgundy and are rich in resveratrol.

Here are some of the best Resveratrol rich foods: 

1. Red Wine
2. Red Grape Juice
3. Peanuts
4. Fresh Grapes
5. Pistachios
6. Peanut Butter
7. Cocoa Powder
8. Dark Chocolate
9. Milk Chocolate
10. Strawberries
11. Jackfruit Skin
12. Blueberries
13. Bilberries
14. Red Currants
15. Cranberries
16. Lingonberries
17. Mulberries

Health Risks of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found naturally in food and is considered safe for daily consumption in small to moderate doses. However, some people report gastrointestinal problems after taking higher doses. Also, resveratrol is best avoided if you are pregnant, sensitive to estrogen, have had surgery, and are on any medication with which there is a possibility of drug interactions.

Note: It is advisable to talk to your doctor if you are on medications (blood pressure medications, anxiety medications, and immunosuppressants) before starting supplements.

Conclusion

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant with great potential. It promises to improve a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. It, like other antioxidants, allows the body to efficiently cleanse molecules and tissues and protects the body from damage and harm. Because it is also naturally present in many of the foods we consume on a daily basis, it is safe to consume resveratrol rich food in moderation daily but not in excess.