The Resveratrol Hype

Over the past few weeks I have had a few different inquiries on my take on Resveratrol , so I thought it would be a good topic to touch on as we know Americans can be found obsessing over every new product being marketed to extend or enhance our health and vitality.  Let start by determining and understanding what it is, then we can move forward to some food for thought when considering the hype on the new “miracle pill!”

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a powerful phytoalexin which is found in peanuts, berries, the skin of red grapes, red wine, and in the Japanese Knotweed plant also known as polygonum. Phytoalexins or phytochemicals, are antibiotics produced by plants when under attack by bacteria and fungi caused by environmental stress and severe weather conditions. Because the phytochemicals, or chemical compounds found in plants found to possibly affect health, are found in Resveratrol, it is being shown that Resveratrol could possibly have very potent antioxidant protection, estrogen protection, cardio-protection, cancer protection, viral protection and neuron protection.  However, while there is growing evidence to support the health benefits of diets rich in fruits and vegetables, there is only limited evidence to suggest these effects are due to specific phytochemicals.

There are many health benefits associated with the supplementation of Resveratrol some of which include:

• Diabetes prevention
• Weight loss
• Anti-aging
• Cancer prevention
• Increase in endurance and cardiovascular performance

When looking at all the evidence supporting these health benefits of Resveratrol it is difficult to not point out the fact that, as mentioned above, there is a plethora of evidence showing that a diet rich in antioxidants and other micronutrients are just as effective in reducing or reversing the common diseases associated with the Standard American Diet.  Most people eat foods that are lacking in secondary nutrients, heck, what most people are eating today can be considered “non-foods!” Secondary nutrients are responsible for the replacement and rejuvenation of antioxidants that help in fighting off free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cell structures and can ultimately lead to cancer, heart disease, and numerous other diseases. There is no study proving that there is any specific antioxidant or phytochemical that is solely responsible in the prevention of any disease!

We must get our focus off the idea of a “miracle pill” and begin taking more responsibility in identifying where our food is coming from, as well, other lifestyle factors or environmental stressors that increase the production of free radicals.  Eating organic foods and supplementing with a clean multi-vitamin, along with proper stress management are going to be just as effective, and then some, in maintaining a homeostatic balance. 

Jeanne Cuevas

www.eastwesthealing.com