Resveratrol has started to gain a lot of attention in different circles for its anti-aging benefits as well as the antioxidant benefits. While there isn't enough evidence available to make concrete declarations, the evidence we do have is promising and growing. Additionally, the fact that there are rare side effects associated with it, even with large doses, is exciting. So buckle up and lets explore the 31 science-backed resveratrol benefits.
Contents:
What is Resveratrol
15 Foods You Can Find Resveratrol In
The 31 Comprehensive Science-Backed Resveratrol Benefits
- Resveratrol May Lower Your Blood Pressure
- Resveratrol Has Positive Cholesterol Outcomes
- Resveratrol Has Anti-Aging Properties
- Resveratrol Helps Support Your Brain
- Resveratrol Can Improve Insulin Sensitivity
- Resveratrol Helps to Calm Joint Pain
- Resveratrol Has Anti-Cancer Properties
- Resveratrol is Effective for Weight Loss
- Resveratrol Can Increase Your Sex Hormones
- Resveratrol Stops Hearing Loss
- Resveratrol Can Improve Acne
- Resveratrol Has Anti-Viral Properties
- Resveratrol Has Anti-Bacterial Properties
- Resveratrol Is an Effective Anti-Fungal Supplement
- Resveratrol Encourages Muscle Growth
- Resveratrol Can Enhance Your Vitamin D Sensitivity
- Resveratrol Slows The Skin Aging Process
- Resveratrol Protects Your Eye Health
- Resveratrol May Prevent Hair Loss
- Resveratrol Can Improve the Microbiome
- Resveratrol Might Help with Alzheimer's Disease
- Resveratrol Encourages Healthy Bone Development
- Resveratrol May Help with Depression
- Resveratrol Can Protect Against Blood Clots
- Resveratrol Promotes Cardiovascular Health
- Resveratrol Protects Your Intestinal Lining
- Resveratrol Enhances Your Mood
- Resveratrol Fights Fatigue
- Resveratrol Might Alleviate Pain
- Resveratrol Can Regulate Your Metabolism
- Resveratrol Can Protect Against Sepsis
Final Thoughts on the Resveratrol Benefits
What is Resveratrol
What is Resveratrol? Resveratrol is a natural phenol that you can find in many plants. They produce Resveratrol in response to an attack by bacteria or fungus, as well as in response to an injury to the plant. They're commonly used as a dietary supplement, and they have high levels of antioxidants and nutrients to help with several different health problems.
You can purchase a lot of different Resveratrol supplements from reputable manufacturers. A lot of the supplements that you buy in the United States and Australia come from the Asian plant (
Polygonum cuspidatum)extract. You can also get Resveratrol supplements from red grape or red wine extracts.
15 Foods You Can Find Resveratrol In
Now that you know what a Resveratrol supplement is and where it comes from, we'll tell you where to find it. Although you can purchase supplements with Resveratrol extract, you can find it in several different foods as well. The top 15 foods packed with Resveratrol are:
31 Science-Backed Benefits of Resveratrol
It's important that you understand the various benefits that come with eating foods high in Resveratrol as well as taking Resveratrol supplements.
1. Resveratrol May Lower Your Blood Pressure
Your
systolic blood pressure refers to how much pressure your blood puts on your arteries when your heart beats. When you get a blood pressure reading, the systolic blood pressure is the top number. As you age, your arteries tend to stiffen. This drives your systolic blood pressure up and puts you at a higher risk for cardiovascular problems.
Studies show that Resveratrol can reduce the pressure on your arterial walls in high doses. Over the course of six studies and 247 participants, research proved that consuming high doses of this supplement lowered the blood pressure of the groups that consumed it. The control group's blood pressure stayed high.
2. Resveratrol Has Positive Cholesterol Outcomes
High cholesterol can put a lot of stress on your cardiovascular system, and it increases your chances of having a heart-related event.
Researchers
divided mice into five groups, with one group being a control group and the other four groups being experimental groups. After six weeks, they measured the amount of lipids in the mice's liver and blood. The group that got Resveratrol every day had significantly lower scores than the control group.
3. Resveratrol Has Anti-Aging Properties
As you age, your body slows down naturally. You may start to notice things like stiffness, weight gain, problems with your skin or hair, and more. Your skin will lose its elasticity, and you may start to notice trouble concentrating and forgetting things.
Human
clinical trials studied the effects of Resveratrol as people age. As the information is still so new, it's not possible to make definitive judgements, but it's promising. People reported less stiffness in their joints, a high elasticity with their skin and improved cognitive function. These all tie back to Resveratrol's antioxidant properties.
4. Resveratrol Helps Support Your Brain
All around the world, people suffer from cognitive decline as they age. Roughly
30 to 40% of people over 65 experience noticeable cognitive decline and memory loss. While this is normal, there are several things that you can do to reduce the occurrences.
Research and
studies are proving that Resveratrol can set off a chain reaction that may prevent memory issues. When you ingest it, it induces your brain to produce an antioxidant enzyme called heme-oxygenase 1. This enzyme can protect your brain from oxidative stress, which has direct links to memory loss and cognitive decline.
5. Resveratrol Can Improve Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity means that your body forms a resistance to insulin. Glucose can't easily get into your cells, and it builds up in your bloodstream. This results in your blood sugar rising, and the possibility of you experiencing complications from diabetes.
Scientists
studied groups of rats to test Resveratrol's influence on Insulin sensitivity. At the end of six weeks, the rats that got doses of Resveratrol each day showed less evidence of oxidative stress, as well as fewer indicators of renal dysfunction. The control group of rats had very high blood glucose indicators and evidence of renal dysfunction.
6. Resveratrol Helps to Calm Joint Pain
Arthritis is a long-term inflammatory disease that results in inflamed and sore joints. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, and using Resveratrol can help reduce arthritis pain and stiffness.
Researchers
studied rabbits with arthritis in their knees. They injected Resveratrol once a day for two weeks into the inflamed areas and noted that the amount of cartridge damage present was less than the control group. This can calm joint pain and work to prevent arthritis from forming.
7. Resveratrol Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Skin cancer kills over
2,000 people each year in Australia (Skin Cancer Capital of the World), and there are approximately 750,000 new cases each year. Australia and New Zealand have the highest cancer rates in the world. This is why it's so important to protect yourself any way you can.
Pre-clinical studies show that Resveratrol has promise for fighting skin cancer. Hairless mice got a topical application of Resveratrol 30 minutes before UV exposure. They found that these mice had a decreased risk for UV exposure. It also shows promise with breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and more.
8. Resveratrol is Effective for Weight Loss
Obesity is becoming more and more prevalent, especially in western countries. Obesity increases your risks of several other health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart attack or stroke.
Resveratrol supplements or extracts have proved to be an
effective tool to combat weight loss. It goes in and destroys fat cells. Additionally,
studies show that it also inhibits hormone-sensitive lipase, fatty acid synthase, and lipoprotein lipase. This can help you lose weight—and keep it off.
9. Resveratrol Can Increase Your Sex Hormones
When you start aging, you might notice a significant drop in your libido. For men, this usually occurs in the mid-60s, while women experience it younger with the onset of menopause. Medical conditions can also cause your sex hormone levels to drop.
Consuming Resveratrol supplements can help to restore your estrogen and testosterone levels and bring your libido back.
Evidence suggests that this supplement can act as both an estrogen antagonist or as an estrogen agonist. This can help to balance your hormone levels, and you should notice your libido getting back to normal.
10. Resveratrol Stops Hearing Loss
Aging can cause you to notice that you can't hear as well. Injuries or health problems can also result in hearing loss. It spans across all age groups, and both males and females report it.
If loud noise or sound damaged your hearing,
research shows that Resveratrol can potentially help restore it. Over the course of seven weeks, one group got doses of Resveratrol, and the control group got a saline solution. When they were exposed to noise, the group that got the Resveratrol showed less trauma.
11. Resveratrol Can Improve Acne
Acne is a skin condition where your pores clog with excess oils. This results in breakouts of weeping and painful sores. Acne can be very stubborn, even with medicinal treatments, and it usually shows on the face, back, neck, arms and more.
One
study took a group of 20 participants with acne and gave them a Resveratrol gel to use every day for 60 days on one side of their face. The other side of their face got a hydrogel. The side of the face that got the Resveratrol gel showed a 53.75% reduction of the acne.
12. Resveratrol Has Anti-Viral Properties
A
virus is a tiny organism that gets into your body and multiplies in your cells. It can cause a lot of health complications that can have long-lasting effects. Elderly people and people with compromised immune systems are more at risk.
Resveratrol has powerful
anti-viral properties that are effective against a broad range of viruses. Studies show that it goes to the heart of the virus and stops it from spreading. It's shown to be effective against influenza, hepatitis c, herpes simplex, respiratory syncytial virus, HIV, and more.
13. Resveratrol Has Anti-Bacterial Properties
Bacterial infections can cause a lot of problems in your body, both inside and out. What's worse, bacterial infections can develop immunity to antibiotics if you try to treat the infection too aggressively. This results in more medications needed to treat it.
For people with MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus), treatment can be a long and drawn-out process. Fortunately,
studies on Resveratrol's anti-bacterial properties show promising results. In the studies, it successfully destroyed the MRSA bacteria in infected patients. It was also shown to be effective at fighting against the
E. Coli bacteria.
14. Resveratrol Is an Effective Anti-Fungal Supplement
Fungal infections can manifest inside your body in your digestive or respiratory tract, and they can also occur on your skin as a rash, itching, or inflammation. Yeast infections are another common fungal infection. Additionally, you can spread fungal infections easily through skin-on-skin contact.
You can use a mix of medications and Resveratrol supplements to treat fungal infections.
Research showed promising results with this supplement's anti-fungal properties. It was effective at fighting against the Candida albicans fungus, and it stopped the fungus from colonising and spreading. It attacks the fungus at the source and spreads outwards.
15. Resveratrol Encourages Muscle Growth
Your muscles are the most
adaptable system in your body, and they can grow and flex in a variety of ways. Having the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can help ensure that your muscles stay healthy throughout your life. It'll also help them recover from trauma.
Along with a good diet,
research on flounders shows that Resveratrol supplements have a positive effect on muscle growth. The antioxidant properties in this supplement help to protect your muscles from oxidative stress, encourage good oxygen levels, reduce protein degradation, and encourages strong growth.
16. Resveratrol Can Enhance Your Vitamin D Sensitivity
Vitamin D performs several important functions in your body, but it's only found naturally in a few foods. You get most of your Vitamin D from exposure to the sun. It helps to reduce inflammation, encourages cell growth and improves your immune function.
For those people who don't or can't go outside and get a lot of sun exposure, Resveratrol can help.
Researchers found that this supplement can increase your sensitivity to Vitamin D. This means that you'll get the benefits without nearly as much sun exposure. It stimulates your body's Vitamin D receptor.
17. Resveratrol Slows The Skin Aging Process
Your skin
naturally ages with you. This means that you'll start to notice more wrinkles, less elasticity, and possibly sunspots. The more exposure that your skin gets to the sun and the elements, the harsher the toll is. Having a poor diet can contribute to premature aging as well.
Resveratrol comes packed with antioxidants and other properties to help slow the progression of your skin's aging process.
Studies show that applying a Resveratrol topical agent to your face can improve the elasticity, reduce age lines and wrinkles, and give your skin a healthy glow.
18. Resveratrol Protects Your Eye Health
Poor eyesight and other conditions can quickly reduce your eyesight at a young age. Whether your eyesight worsens as you age or if you experience some trauma, this can be debilitating.
One of the more significant causes of vision loss and impairment is oxidative stress.
Trials show promising results with Resveratrol supplements when it comes to reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, the high antioxidant properties in this supplement can also help to preserve your eyesight.
19. Resveratrol May Prevent Hair Loss
Hair loss can start at a young age, and a variety of things can start the process. You might notice it as small amounts of
hair at first. However, this can progress to a lot of damage and broken hair very quickly. It can also come on suddenly from medications.
Although there isn't a lot of research about Resveratrol's hair restoring properties, researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties can help to protect the hair follicle. Also,
research from Hong Kong showed that this supplement has the potential to extend and improve your hair follicle's lifespan.
20. Resveratrol Can Improve the Microbiome
There are both good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract. If the conditions are off, the bad bacteria can thrive and start to colonise. If this happens, you can start to experience problems like IBS-type symptoms such as bloating, gas and discomfort, and
SIBO.
Scientists took obese mice and measured the bacteria in their bodies. They split the mice into two groups and gave one group daily doses of Resveratrol. At the end of the study, the mice that received the Resveratrol showed an improvement in their microbiome with balanced bacteria.
21. Resveratrol Might Help with Alzheimer's Disease
Worldwide, more than 44 million people have Dementia. Alzheimer's Disease is a form of Dementia that currently has no cure. You'll typically see problems with memory loss, a decreased cognitive function, and personality changes in the later stages of the disease.
Various
studies show that Resveratrol may slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease. The studies showed that taking this supplement can help to restore the blood-brain barrier. This barrier stops harmful molecules from getting to the brain and causing more damage. It can also improve neurological pathways throughout your brain.
22. Resveratrol Encourages Healthy Bone Development
Your bones tend to get more brittle as you age, and this can make them more prone to breaking or fractures. The bone structure changes and this can lead to less density in your bones. Additionally, an unhealthy diet can contribute to weak and brittle bones.
One study took
74 participants and split them into three groups. One group got a placebo, one got 1,000mg of Resveratrol once a day, and the final group got 500mg of Resveratrol once a day for 16 weeks. The group that got the high dosage showed improved bone density at the end of the study.
23. Resveratrol May Help with Depression
Roughly one in six women and one in eight men will experience depression at some point during their lives. Also, depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Resveratrol has shown
promising results in reducing the amount of MAO-A (Monoamine oxidase An) in your brain. This enzyme breaks down your neurotransmitters that are responsible for the "feel good" hormones. This supplement protects these neurotransmitters, and it can also help to restore healthy pathways to reduce depression symptoms.
24. Resveratrol Can Protect Against Blood Clots
Your blood typically clots in response to an injury. However,
blood clots can form on the inside of your arteries without any obvious trauma. These clots can restrict the blood flow through your body, and they can cause serious health problems if they go untreated.
Clinical trials showed that taking Resveratrol each day can reduce your chances of developing a blood clot. It encourages healthy blood flow throughout your entire system, and it can help to prevent plaque build up in your arteries. This reduces your risk of having complications from a clot.
25. Resveratrol Promotes Cardiovascular Health
In Australia,
coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults 45 years of age and older. Genetics do play a role in your chances of developing this disease. However, eating an unhealthy diet and living an unhealthy lifestyle contribute to a higher risk factor.
In the past few years,
several studies have shown that Resveratrol can help improve your cardiovascular health. It encourages good blood flow through your body. It can also help to prevent build-up in your arteries and decrease your cholesterol. Additionally, a Resveratrol supplement has positive effects on your blood pressure levels.
26. Resveratrol Protects Your Intestinal Lining
Your intestinal lining gets exposed to high amounts of acid and bacteria as it works to absorb the nutrients from the food you eat. A thick coating of mucus helps to protect the walls and move the food through your intestines.
Research found that Resveratrol can be instrumental in protecting your intestinal lining from damage and infections. It can form a protective barrier that stops bad bacteria from getting through and into your body.
27. Resveratrol Enhances Your Mood
Do you feel anxious, depressed or just burnt out? Maybe you have a high-stress job that puts a lot of pressure on you. Either way, these things can have a negative impact on your overall mood. This can spread into every area of your life.
Randomised
trials showed that Resveratrol worked to protect your neurotransmitters and restore healthy pathways so your brain can produce and send serotonin to your body. In turn, this can give your mood a boost and leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
28. Resveratrol Fights Fatigue
Fatigue is common, and you'll most likely experience it sooner or later. It's very common in the early afternoon, and it can last for hours. You could feel sleepy, unmotivated, and it can be hard to concentrate.
Several
different studies have had good outcomes concerning Resveratrol's efficiency at fighting mental and physical fatigue. It helps your body produce energy naturally, and this energy can give you a boost to get you through the day.
29. Resveratrol Might Alleviate Pain
Small aches and pains are common, and this is especially true when you start to age. Muscle pain and joint stiffness are also very common, and this can get worse if you sit at a desk all day for your job. If you can't get up and walk around every few hours, Resveratrol may help.
Since Resveratrol has natural
anti-inflammatory properties, it makes sense that it's a natural pain reliever for minor joint and muscle aches and pains. Research showed that it can also help soothe muscle strains.
One unfortunate side effect of aging is that your metabolism starts to slow down. When this happens, it's easier for you to gain weight, you may feel fatigued quicker, and you might notice that exercise is more strenuous.
A
study added Resveratrol supplements to different animal plasma and monitored their metabolisms. They noted that the supplement could potentially help their bodies regulate their metabolism, and it could also potentially speed it up slightly. They also noted that it showed the possibility of even extending some of the animal's lives, but more research is needed.
31. Resveratrol Can Protect Against Sepsis
Problems with your organs or infections can cause serious health issues in a very quick manner. One more serious problem is sepsis. This is an inflammatory response that spreads throughout your entire body in response to an infection. It can cause damage to your organs and more if you don't treat it.
Since Resveratrol has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, it has the potential to
protect your organs if you develop sepsis. Resveratrol can travel through your bloodstream and reach all of your organs. It also has the potential to flush harmful toxins from your system, and it acts as a buffer for your organs.
Final Thoughts on the Resveratrol Benefits
Resveratrol is a powerful natural supplement that can work on its own or in tandem with other medications. We outlined 31 science-backed benefits so you can see why so many people are starting to take an interest in it for its medicinal properties. As always, you do want to consult your physician before making any changes to your healthcare routine.
Resveratrol has a bright future, and researchers are performing more studies so they can gather more data to support the various Resveratrol benefits. If you haven't tried this supplement, perhaps you want to see what all of the hype is about and incorporate it into your daily routine.