What is resveratrol good for?
This also means that it can be found in wine in significant amounts, as the fermentation process includes the grape's skin and seeds, and this is one of the reasons wine is often discussed for its polyphenol content.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Resveratrol demonstrates significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why it is studied in conditions that are driven by both inflammation and infection.
Role in blood pressure research
One such example is high blood pressure, specifically systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure applied to artery walls during each heartbeat, and is represented in blood pressure readings by the upper number.
As arteries lose their flexibility with age, their ability to adapt to the flow of blood decreases, increasing the blood pressure factor. It is thought that resveratrol plays a part in the production of nitric oxide, which contributes toward blood vessel relaxation, which in turn lowers blood pressure.
Role in cholesterol research
Another cardiovascular area of interest for resveratrol is cholesterol. Both human and animal studies have reported lower LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, and higher HDL, or "good" cholesterol, with resveratrol supplementation.
It is thought that this is achieved by resveratrol's ability to inhibit an enzyme that is responsible for the production of cholesterol.
Joint health
Another area of resveratrol research is joint health, or more specifically, arthritis. One of the main symptoms of arthritis is the degradation of joint cartilage, along with the resulting inflammation, pain and reduced joint mobility.
Supplemental doses of resveratrol have been studied for how they sit with joint cartilage, as well as for overall inflammation, with several animal studies offering very promising results.
Resveratrol and cancer research
Resveratrol is also being studied in cancer, in both animal and in vitro work.
Its observed effects include the ability to affect how cancer cells spread, as well as the ability to change the gene expression in cancer cells in order to affect their growth.
Other research areas
Some of the areas of resveratrol research include age-related cognitive decline, blood sugar, and Alzheimer's disease.
When should I take resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a fat-soluble compound, which means that it dissolves in fat that is then stored by your body. This means that taking it with a meal that includes the presence of healthy dietary fats, such as fish, fatty meat, nuts, seeds, avocados, and similar foods can significantly boost how much resveratrol your body absorbs.
Some studies also suggest that resveratrol is taken in the morning in the trials that look at it, so an early meal is the anchored habit, while any fat-containing meal still does the absorption work.
What does resveratrol combine well with?
Resveratrol with piperine, taken together, for increased absorption
Piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, is known for boosting absorption of certain compounds, and resveratrol is one such compound. In fact, research shows that when in the presence of piperine, resveratrol absorption is increased over 1,500%.With black pepper
As mentioned above, piperine, the compound in black pepper responsible for its distinct taste, is able to boost the absorption of resveratrol significantly. If lieu of a piperine supplement to take with your resveratrol, you can always add black pepper to your meal instead, although black pepper's piperine content is only around 10% at most. Still, it will be better than nothing!What else pairs well with resveratrol?
Also taken with grape seed extract, for absorption and antioxidant properties
Several studies indicate that grape seed extract greatly increases the bioavailability of resveratrol, but not only that, they are both rich in antioxidants, and the two have been studied together in colon cancer research.Also taken with beta-glucan and vitamin C, for cell-function research
Another study looked at the potential anticancer properties of a combination of beta-glucan, resveratrol, and vitamin C. It was found that this combination had a greater effect on the growth and spread of cancer cells, compared to when they were taken individually.Also taken with quercetin, for antioxidant effects
Research also indicates that when resveratrol is combined with quercetin, another polyphenol, it can also have additive effects in terms of antioxidative properties, with greater results than when they are taken separately.Also taken with quercetin and curcumin, for cell-function research
Similarly, resveratrol taken together with quercetin and also curcumin has been studied for antitumour effects.Also taken with astaxanthin and beta-carotene, for muscle health
Furthermore, a combination of resveratrol, astaxanthin and beta-carotene was found to increase protein synthesis in mice that had muscle hypertrophy, showing another potential synergistic combination involving resveratrol.What should I avoid taking resveratrol with?
Sadly, the red-wine association isn't a reason to take resveratrol with a drink: alcohol is a diuretic, adds its own oxidative load, especially to the liver, and the amount of resveratrol in a glass is far below a capsule dose. Keep the capsule with a meal that carries no alcohol, and let the drink be a separate pleasure rather than the delivery system, as it won't really be contributing in any meaningful way to the resveratrol intake.
What are natural sources of resveratrol?
If you are interested in obtaining your daily resveratrol through your diet, you can often find it in:
Who should avoid taking resveratrol?
Before taking resveratrol supplements, check with your trusted healthcare professional if any of the following apply to you:
- Hormone-sensitive conditions
- Bleeding disorders
Hormone-sensitive conditions
Resveratrol has shown minor estrogenic activity in laboratory work, so a personal or family history of a hormone-sensitive cancer, such as breast cancer or ovarian cancer, is a situation where a concentrated capsule is more of a question for an oncologist, rather than incorporating resveratrol supplements into your routine.Bleeding disorders
Bleeding is the second caution, because the compound has a mild antiplatelet effect, and a disorder of clotting, or surgery in the coming weeks, are good reasons to avoid taking it.Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional if you are suffering from any health conditions.
Possible side effects of resveratrol
Possible side effects from taking resveratrol supplements may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Diarrhea
- Cramps at high doses
If you are experiencing negative side effects from taking resveratrol supplements, stop taking them immediately and reach out to your trusted healthcare professional.
Drug interactions with resveratrol
The medicines listed below are the ones most often named in interaction reports for resveratrol, but it is by no means a comprehensive list:
- Blood thinners
Blood-thinning medication
Resveratrol could potentially have a blood-thinning effect, so it is advisable to avoid taking it in combination with any blood thinners or anticoagulants, as this could potentially cause bleeding or bruising.If you are taking any prescription drugs or medication, check with your trusted healthcare professional before taking resveratrol supplements.
Can I take resveratrol while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It has shown estrogenic activity in laboratory work, and no human pregnancy trials exist, which is why the concentrated supplement is not an established pregnancy product.
Remember to always discuss any vitamins or supplements with your trusted healthcare professional while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while attempting to conceive.
Where should I store resveratrol?
For optimal shelf life, it is recommended to keep resveratrol supplements stored in the cupboard. Always make sure the bottle or container is tightly closed, and kept away from sources of light, heat and humidity.
Resveratrol data sources & further reading
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