Amazing health benefits of resveratrol NL-083

Resveratrol has received great attention as a natural substance for preventing and managing various chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and arthritis. So, what exactly is resveratrol? It is a natural compound produced by certain plants to protect them from pathogens and environmental stress. It is found in foods such as peanuts, berries, green tea, pistachios, grapes, Japanese Knotweed and cocoa. Resveratrol works as a powerful antioxidant with a long list of benefits for your heart, brain and metabolic health.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Resveratrol neutralises free radicals (triggered by stress, sun exposure, alcohol, smoking, drugs and toxins), that damages the fragile structure and function of your cells. This is how resveratrol supports healthy tissue function and reduces oxidative damage and inflammation in your blood vessels, heart and brain. Additionally, it also promotes the production of other powerful antioxidants within the body, namely glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. This further establishes resveratrol as a formidable antioxidant compound that defends your body from the cellular damage and destruction caused by free radicals. 

Anti-ageing properties: Oxidative damage to DNA and mitochondria is linked to premature ageing. As an antioxidant compound (that also increases the amount of other critical antioxidant enzymes in the body), resveratrol limits oxidative damage in the cells and its internal structures such as proteins, fats, DNA and mitochondria, thereby reducing the risk of premature ageing. There is another interesting mechanism through which resveratrol works as a natural anti-ageing substance. It activates sirtuins, a group of enzymes known for their role in improving your overall health and longevity. Sirtuins regulate many functions that are intricately involved in the process of ageing such as metabolism, inflammation, DNA repair and cellular response to stress. These enzymes also play a very critical role in maintaining mitochondrial health and function. 

Overall Health Benefits of Resveratrol

1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory 
2. Anti-ageing
3. Boosts energy levels 
4. Supports cardiovascular health
5. Improves brain function 
6. Keeps skin looking young and healthy
7. Reduces blood sugar levels 
8. Improves insulin sensitivity
9. Improves bone health, eases joint pain
10. Boosts immunity

Can you get enough resveratrol from your diet?

While it is produced naturally by some plants and is found in grapes, Japanese Knotweed, chocolate, pistachios, berries and peanuts, it is not possible to get substantial amount of resveratrol from food sources alone. Did you know red wine contains around 13 mg resveratrol per liter.  You would need to drink about 40 litres of wine daily to get 500 mg of resveratrol per day.  

In addition, its poor bio-availability remains a major challenge. It is quickly metabolised in the intestines and the liver, rapidly eliminated from the body, is poorly soluble in water and degrades easily. It is, therefore, important to choose the right formulation to translate its incredible health benefits and get the most out of resveratrol supplements. If you are looking at formulations that can overcome bioavailability concerns, liposomal resveratrol is the way to go. Liposomal technology increases its absorption, thereby making it more available to the cells.

References:

1. Zhang et al. Resveratrol (RV): A pharmacological review and call for further research. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2021.
2. Ugoeze et al. Phytopharmaceutical Benefits of Resveratrol in the Management of Diseases and Health Maintenance: A Review. Biomedical Sciences. 2023
3. Salla et al. Enhancing the Bioavailability of Resveratrol: Combine It, Derivatize It, or Encapsulate It? Pharmaceutics. 2024