For centuries, many cultures have believed that drinking red wine is essential to good health. Recent studies have borne out this belief, showing that certain substances found in red wine protect the body against serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Among the beneficial chemicals contained in red wine, resveratrol stands out in scientific studies for its amazing healing qualities.
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant, a chemical produced naturally by certain plants to protect themselves from the environment. Grapes, in particular, produce a great deal of resveratrol in their skins to protect the plants against damage from the sun and harmful fungal infections.
What are the most important health benefits of resveratrol?
Studies have shown that resveratrol has a wide range of beneficial properties, including:
- Protection from diabetes and obesity;
- Prevention of cell damage by free radicals (unstable atoms which can lead to premature aging, certain types of cancer, and loss of brain function);
- Reduced inflammation;
- Decreased risk of clotting, a major factor in heart disease.
What are the best natural sources of resveratrol?
Because red wine is fermented with the skin of the grapes, it contains a high concentration of resveratrol. However, if you are not a wine drinker, there are several other good dietary sources for this important antioxidant:
- Grapes and grape juice;
- Blueberries;
- Peanuts;
- Red wine extracts;
- Grape seed pills.
Resveratrol supplements can help you get the right concentration of this powerful plant extract. Look for high-quality products from a reputable natural supplement dealer for the best results.