Resveratrol – an introduction

Resveratrol is a chemical substance that is taken from plants. It is not found in all plants, there are a limited number of plants that contain Resveratrol. It is a substance that plants actually use in the fight against disease, which links quite neatly into its uses when it comes to human beings. This is because it is used in a very similar way with patients.

Resveratrol is called a phytoalexin. This is because it is produced naturally by plants as one way in which bacteria can be attacked. The substance is also developed by plants when they fight against fungi. Phytoalexins are basically natural antibiotics produced by plants when they are under attack. If one views them as a part of an overall defence system, then one can understand their value. The fact that they are natural also suggests why they are so useful in the medical world. This particular type of self defence substance comes under the umbrella of phytochemicals. The phytochemical world contains plant derived chemicals that are studied by scientists for their therapeutic benefits to humans.

Phytoalexins are fascinating because they fulfil quite an aggressive function. Particularly aggressive with organisms that attack their host plant, they act as toxins towards the attackers, breaking cell walls and delaying maturation.

Plants in the natural world that contain Resveratrol include grapes and their skins, and berries, including raspberries and blueberries. Resveratrol can also be found in peanuts.

The substance can also be found in something called Japanese knotweed. Knotweed is a plant that is native to parts of Asia. Knotweed was introduced to Western gardens primarily for its physical appearance, which resembles bamboo, and so can be highly ornamental. However, the effects of the weed can also be quite aggressive, with knotweed invading cracks in gardens and taking root. It is generally a disliked plant due to the fact that it is extremely tenacious.

Knotweed provides the Resveratrol that is used as a nutritional supplement. Studies carried out on mice have shown that the Resveratrol found in knotweed can have some anti-aging properties. The research is still light on this issue, but this has not stopped some people doing a roaring trade in the stuff.

The biggest argument for making Resveratrol a common substance in diets comes in the form of red wine. Knotweed began to gain a reputation for improving health when it was discovered that the French people, while having a diet that is incredibly high in fat, were still showing as having low cholesterol levels. Scientists began to focus on the Resveratrol content of red wine. While it is actually quite minimal, the effects on the health of French people are convincing enough to make scientists believe that Resveratrol has a great impact on our health.

Incidentally, the highest concentration of Resveratrol can be found in peanuts. Within this snack food the Resveratrol content is high and pure. If anyone wanted to boost their Resveratrol intake, then snacking on peanuts is probably their best bet.

Resveratrol is so liked by the medical community due to the fact that it is a clearly powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants reduce the impact of oxidants on the cells in the body.

Resveratrol is also favoured due to the belief that it aids tolerance of exercise. In addition, it is also believed to help lessen the impact of memory loss.

Anti-aging is where Resveratrol is really taking off. Companies are marketing it from this angle, with uses as a food supplement being particularly common. There is also some evidence that the substance can help in the fight against retroviral illnesses, such as HIV.

There is a lot of evidence that suggest that Resveratrol has an amazing beneficial effect on humans. The FDA has classed it as an investigational drug. In the meantime, it is used for a number of reasons, in sports and in helping people with their failing memories. It has become a favoured supplement in health food shops, and is swiftly becoming one of the most intriguing substances around.