Wine with Grapes by nickxske
If you are at all a consumer of both news and red wine, you’ve heard of this compound. It has been considered both disease fighting and a reason behind the existence of the “French Paradox”. The studies are not conclusive, but the possible benefits of Resveratrol are well worth considering.
What Is It?
Resveratrol is a member of a family of anti-microbial substances. Simply put, these substances act as a plant’s defenses when it comes under attack by a harmful agent such as bacteria. Logically, it is possible that these benefits could be transferred to whom or whatever consumes the plant containing Resveratrol.
What Does It Do?
Red Wine by peteSwede
Very few studies have been conducted in humans. Those which have been are, unfortunately, mixed. Since the animal studies are more numerous, we will look at those.
Resveratrol was first demonstrated to extend the lives of a certain type of yeast. While the life of a yeast is definitely not the same as the life of a human either in span or complexity, it is a spot from which to begin. Fish with short lifespans have had them lengthened and subsequent tests in mice have shown that Resveratrol can off-set the effects of bad diet, both diets composed of plenty of fat and hydrogenated fat.
In terms of cancer prevention, the effects are extremely inconclusive. While Resveratrol had some apparent success with preventing tumors, it had no demonstrable effect on tumors which already existed. If you plan on employing Resveratrol to prevent skin cancer, you are better off staying out of the tanning booth and slathering on sunscreen.
Other benefits may be anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, protective for the heart and brain, and endurance giving. Aside from this final item, these have been merely demonstrated in animals. The one benefit seen in humans was cardiovascular endurance. The study was, however, small and does not speak against the weight of animal studies showing the often non-existent effects.
Where Is It?
Grape Wine by Elite PhotoArt
Resveratrol is found in quite a few foods, including the beloved American staple peanut butter. It is higher in red fruit juices and even more so in red wine. (Certainly it is the best promoted source.) The Resveratrol is contained within the skins of the grapes; because white wine is not fermented in contact with the skins, it contains far less than red wine.
In red wine, the content varies widely based on the wine’s varietal and the conditions in which the grapes were grown. Pinot noir grapes have among the highest levels; amongst red wines in general, wines from New York, Oregon, the Burgundy region of France, and Spain tend to be high in the compound. Possibly due to the climates or perhaps the soil, but if you’re on the lookout for Resveratrol without taking a supplement, look at Pinot noirs from these locales first. Or any red wine from vineyards within these regions.
Essentially, Resveratrol will not undo a lifetime’s bad habits. It is not in and of itself a good reason to begin drinking red wine. However, if you already enjoy wine, cultivating an appreciation for the red variety will do no harm and may do some good. Raise a glass of red and enjoy it, even if the magic of Resveratrol is in the marketing only.
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