Resveratrol - Effects and uses

Resveratrol is produced by certain plants to protect them from stress caused by the environment. It is a phytoalexin which is a byproduct of a plant's natural defense mechanism. Resveratrol is found in huge amounts in the skin of grapes and this antioxidant protects the grapes from extreme heat and fungal diseases. It is therefore found abundantly in cooler climates. Wine is understandably one of the largest sources of this powerful antioxidant.

Wine which is produced from grapes is thus a good source of resveratrol. It is found more in red wine than in the white wine. This is due to the fact that the skins of grapes which are the main source of resveratrol is left longer during fermentation while processing and preparing red wine than the white wine.

Though the curative effects of resveratrol are only in the research stages, this antioxidant shows a lot of promise in the cure of heart diseases and cancer. It reduces the risk of heart attacks and clotting of blood with the property by which it reduces the aggregation of platelets in the blood. Resveratrol also shows promise of damage prevention of free occurring cells. This property shows promise in the treatment of cancer.

Wine is an excellent source of resveratrol. It is found more in red wine as the fermentation period is long. Another factor influencing the amount of resveratrol in wine is the environment the grapes are grown in. If they are from humid conditions, resveratrol content is found to be higher. This is due to the fact that grapes tend to be affected by fungal diseases in humid areas due to the moisture content.

Due to more fermentation period, red wine is a better source of this antioxidant than the white wine. Apart from grapes, blueberries are another excellent natural source of resveratrol. The Japanese Knotweed contains resveratrol in good quantities.

Resveratrol has found to inhibit formation of free radicals as it is a powerful antioxidant. This proves to be helpful during the initial stages of tumor formation. Resveratrol also shows potential in inhibition of cyclooxygenase - 1. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme which promotes the formation of pro inflammatory substances by converting arachidonic acid. These substances are the root cause for stimulating the growth of tumor cells.

Resveratrol show promise in inducing differentiation in promyelocytic leukemia cells in humans. It also shows potential in inhibition of ribonucleotide reductase which is an enzyme particularly found in proliferating cells during DNA synthesis. The most positive factor in all this is that resveratrol shows a lot of positive potential in cancer treatment due to the fact that it produces negligible toxins which affect the blood forming cells.

However, as with all substances, it is prudent to wait for further research and analysis before using this antioxidant as a sure treatment or preventive measure for any condition. Though resveratrol displays a very strong positive potential in certain conditions like coronary disease and cancer, there is a long way to go before it can be determined whether these diseases can be helped with this antioxidant or not.

Resveratrol is sometimes offered in the form of a transdermal patch. This is similar to the nicotine patch. Apart from this, it is also manufactured in liquid form for easier consumption. It is always better to consult with the doctor before taking these supplements as a prevention or cure for any condition.

There is no harm however in taking natural grapes, peanuts, blueberries and such known to contain resveratrol in reasonable quantities rather than taking supplements that contain resveratrol, or in powder and patch forms.

Article Source: ArticlesMaker.com

About the Author: What do you know about Resveratrol? It has been linked with cancer, heart disease and obesity prevention. Read more info about Resveratrol here. 

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