May
Resveratrol is a magic compound that has a number of health benefits stashed away in it. The compound was known since 1940 but it gained fame and recognition only in 1992 when its presence in the French red wine was established and several health benefits were attributed to it.
Resveratrol and red wine
Resveratrol, a polyphenol flavanoid antioxidant is found in abundance in grape skins. So it also has a heavy presence in red wine that is prepared with these grape skins. White wine is fermented from grape juice sans the grape skins and hence has no Resveratrol. An ounce of red wine contains 160 µg of Resveratrol. As far as the level of Resveratrol in different varieties of red wine is concerned the Pinot Noir varietal has the highest Resveratrol content.
The French paradox
The French Paradox was discovered in 1992. The term French paradox was coined by the Bordeaux University scientist Dr Serge Renaud. Through research studies it was observed that the French had a low incidence of coronary heart ailments despite their saturated fat rich diet. While the French consumed 108grams of animal fat a day the average American consumes only 72 grams of fat daily.
The fat that the French consume is saturated fat whereas the Americans consume fat from vegetable oil and soybeans. The French also smoke more cigarettes and lead a more sedentary lifestyle. However the heart disease rates amid the Americans is higher than amongst the French. The research study in 1992 attributed this phenomenon to consumption of red wine by the French, which is rich in Resveratrol.
Is consumption of red wine for Resveratrol advisable?
Resveratrol has been found to be able to curb not only heart ailments, diabetes and cholesterol but it has also been found to be able to fight cancer and osteoporosis, prevent aging, relieve pain and enhance immunity and longevity. Due to these diverse health benefits of Resveratrol more and more health conscious people are eager to incorporate it as part of their daily diet.
However consumption of red wine for this purpose should be exercised in moderation and with caution. This is because red wine has alcohol content in it. Alcohol is toxic and has no health benefits. Alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde and then to acetate by enzymes of the body. Acetaldehyde produces all the unfavorable effects of alcohol including obesity, liver damage, brain damage and reduced oxygen supply to organs.
Wine suppliers and retailers are placing health indicators on wine bottles these days, so you can make sure you are picking the healthiest wine bottle. If you are drinking red wine for Resveratrol you should incorporate a supplement regimen in your diet as this will protect you from acetaldehyde toxicity to a reasonable level.
It is greatly prudent to consume Resveratrol supplements and Resveratrol pills for the Resveratrol health benefits instead of consuming too much red wine. These supplements give you Resveratrol in concentrated form without the adverse effects of alcohol.
Red wine can be taken in safe quantum to get Resveratrol benefits.
Tags: benefits of resveratrol, Resveratrol, resveratrol supplements, source of resveratrol, what is resveratrol