The most familiar connection to red wine is the “French Paradox.” Researchers have discovered that in regions of France where the population enjoys a high-fat diet but consumes a lot of red wine with meals, the incidence of heart attacks is considerably lower than in other parts of the world.
They now believe that the benefits of red wine — the Resveratrol found in the red wine — extend to brain health, cancer protection, longevity, and cardio-protection.
We can get the resveratrol compound from several foods, with grapes and wine being the most abundant sources. But Resveratrol can also be found in seeds, skin, and fruit of vaccinium berries such as bilberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries.
Resveratrol is rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties that may help relieve joint pain and benefit cardiovascular, brain, and metabolic health. Some research has shown that this supplement may also help with hair loss.
Here are five benefits of Resveratrol that can help you lead a longer, healthier life:
1. It Protects Your Heart
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the silent killer. It is the most common form of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.
However, cardiovascular disease is preventable and, in many cases, reversible, and diet plays an important role.
The most crucial use of Resveratrol is related to protecting the blood vessels and heart, which lies in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood flow properties.
Resveratrol helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces “bad” cholesterol, and prevents blood clots. Resveratrol helps protect you from atherosclerosis or plaque build-up in the arteries.
2. It Helps You Look Younger
To look our best, we spend a fortune on facial creams, unique soaps, and other treatments designed to improve our appearance. However, researchers say one of the most effective ways to look younger is to eat foods that support the health of your skin.
Certain foods can help facial skin cells help fight aging. The most potent of these natural chemicals are antioxidants supporting mitochondria (cellular structures that produce energy), such as Resveratrol in red wine.
It may also slow the growth of the bacteria that lead to skin blemishes.
3. It Prevents or Inhibits Some Cancers
You may already know that calorie restriction turns on specific genes called sirtuins that help you live longer.
Those same sirtuins can also help you survive – and protect you against – breast cancer.
Resveratrol is the compound that turns on sirtuins. So, if you want to give yourself an epigenetic advantage against cancer, adding red huckleberries, cranberries, lingonberries, and blueberries to your diet might be a wise idea.
Several studies have also noted that Resveratrol makes tumor cells more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
4. It Protects the Brain
Inflammation is a significant problem for people with Alzheimer’s. It’s what causes the brain damage that leads to life-altering memory loss, confusion, and personality changes that make the disease so scary.
But the good news is, if you know a disease is caused primarily by inflammation, it’s easier to figure out a solution.
Unsurprisingly, the most promising solution for Alzheimer’s may be a potent anti-inflammatory compound that’s been revered for its health-giving properties for over a decade now – Resveratrol.
So, raise a glass of wine when you next dine on a delicious dinner from the brain-healthy foods, toast your good health, good fortune, and youthful brain.
5. It Boosts Insulin Sensitivity
There’s a nutrient that you already know has tremendous benefits for your heart and brain. It’s even anti-aging but can also increase insulin sensitivity (improve insulin function) and lower blood sugar — naturally, it’s Resveratrol.
To learn how Resveratrol may benefit you, get a FREE Consultation with one of our doctors (D.C) here.