Have you heard that you should drink red wine for heart health? Surprisingly, that assertion is a little misleading. This claim is based on the fact that red wine contains the powerful antioxidant resveratrol, but you might want to understand more about this unique compound before choosing wine as your go-to. What’s more, research shows that not all forms of resveratrol provide the same benefits. Read on to learn how to get the maximum benefits of resveratrol – without the expensive sips – and why this nutrient is a must-have in your wellness arsenal.
What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a polyphenol – a bioactive compound in plants - that acts as an antioxidant defense for plants against threats in the environment. And it turns out that this naturally occurring nutrient has been shown to also benefit the human body in many ways, especially when it comes to heart health.
Sources of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is concentrated mostly in the skins and seeds of grapes and berries, and since grapes are crushed with skins to make red wine, resveratrol is also found in red wine.
And while grapes are fantastic sources of resveratrol, it exists in two forms – cis-resveratrol and trans-resveratrol – that aren’t equivalent when it comes to resveratrol’s bioavailability. Our bodies prefer trans-resveratrol, and Japanese knotweed is a naturally rich source of this superior form.
Resveratrol Benefits
While the heart often gets the attention when it comes to resveratrol’s benefits, this generous phytonutrient holds a wealth of wellness for the entire body thanks to its potent antioxidant properties.
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Skin
The antioxidant properties of resveratrol help to enhance the skin’s defense against free radical damage from sunlight and pollution that contribute to cellular aging. When skin cells age, our youthful glow loses its luster. Resveratrol helps boost skin’s vitality from the inside out!
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Joints
The same antioxidant properties of resveratrol that enable it to help fight free radicals in the skin extend the same benefits to our joints. Both inactivity and overuse can affect the function of our joints as we age, but resveratrol has been shown to nourish strong, flexible, and comfortable joints.
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Brain
Resveratrol’s whole-body wellness benefits reach to an even deeper level. With a proven ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier, resveratrol is a healthy aging superstar that upholds healthy cognition, mood, and memory.
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Nutrient metabolism
One of resveratrol’s key antioxidant actions is to promote healthy circulation throughout the body, which supports optimal digestion, absorption, distribution, and utilization of nutrients. Amazing evidence also shows that resveratrol is effective for helping to regulate glucose metabolism, keeping this essential cellular fuel source in a healthy equilibrium.
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Heart
Last but certainly not least, resveratrol’s heart-healthy reputation is well-deserved. In addition to nourishing healthy blood vessels, blood flow, and heart rhythms, resveratrol helps maintain healthy lipid levels and fosters cardiovascular health.
Food sources vs. supplements
While grapes and wine seem like the best sources of resveratrol, it turns out the concentrations of the compound itself are minimal in typical servings, especially in the treasured trans-form. In fact, research suggests that resveratrol’s bounty of benefits is difficult to achieve from the diet alone. Rather, the science-backed benefits of resveratrol are best found as concentrated trans-resveratrol in supplements. And we can’t help but mention that in addition to its low and largely unusable concentration of resveratrol, red wine comes packaged with alcohol and sugar which may offset its antioxidant benefits anyway!
SuperPure Resveratrol
Ready to say cheers to resveratrol, without the glass? Look no further than our SuperPure® Resveratrol extract. This easy-to-take daily supplement provides a whopping 250 mg of trans-resveratrol from Japanese knotweed, plus bonus polyphenols from whole grapes for a full suite of synergistic wellness. You’d have to drink more than 100 glasses of red wine to get the same level of antioxidant benefits. Plus, as always, our SuperPure® process carefully concentrates resveratrol’s potency without chemical solvents or additives, and it’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. Finally, if you’re looking to get the most out of resveratrol’s heart-healthy reputation, this antioxidant takes top billing in our 3-part Heart Protector® formula along with 10 more cardiovascular-caring companions.
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