Resveratrol is constantly in the news and on TV now. So what’s all the hype about this thing called Resveratrol? To answer this question, I give a short explanation of what Resveratrol is, what it does and how it works:

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound found in grapes, red wine, purple grape juice, peanuts, and some berries. Large quantities of anti-oxidents and Resveratrol are found in the skins of grapes; hence the Resveratrol supplement has been labeled “the wine pill”. Plants make Resveratrol to protect themselves against the effects of poor growing conditions, severe weather and attacks by insects and disease.

The Resveratrol craze is taking the world by storm. With international media coverage, more and more people are learning about Resveratrol and the wonderful benefits of taking it. Resveratrol (trans-resveratrol) is a phytoalexin that is produced naturally by various plants. Plants produce Resveratrol as a natural response to attack by pathogens like fungi and bacteria. It is also produced by chemical synthesis.

Resveratrol was first isolated by Takaoka in the roots of white hellebore back in 1940. It was found again in 1963 from the roots of the Japanese knotweed plant. However, it attracted world wide attention in 1992 when a researcher found its presence in wine. After this milestone discovery it was suggested as the explanation for the cardiovascular benefits of red wine.

Red wine has long been considered to be heart healthy. The alcohol and Resveratrol antioxidants in it help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and protecting the arteries against damage. Resveratrol is a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces “bad” cholesterol and prevents blood clots.

For those who already enjoy a glass of red wine during diner, this is great news. But of course doctors do not recommend anyone to start drinking alcohol simply for a few benefits. We all know that too much alcohol can have many harmful effects.

Resveratrol has attracted the interest of modern medicine more than any other natural health supplement. Due to the Resveratrol in wine, this beverage has received a lot of attention in the recent years. Wine has long been recognized for its benefits for the heart and age related issues such as cancer, dementia, diabetes and other such ailments. A recent study conducted by researchers in Denmark on over 25,000 people to find out what drinking alcohol does to mortality concluded that people who drink wine reduce their overall risk of dying by about 40%!

Alcohol is highly intoxicating substances that could make people lose control and their memories. We all heard of special circumstance where the person could hardly remember everything that has happen while under the influence of alcohol. They just wake up one morning, totally disoriented. That is just some of the things that alcohol can do to a person, who is not even an alcoholic.