Health Benefits of Resveratrol
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant found primarily in the skin of red grapes, berries, and certain nuts. Red wine is often well known for containing this antioxidant. Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol, a class of compounds known for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are crucial in neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. By combating oxidative stress, resveratrol helps protect your cells and supports overall health. It has gained attention for its potential to promote healthy aging and protect against various chronic diseases. Resveratrol has been shown to slow cognitive decline by protecting brain cells from damage. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps prevent cartilage from breaking down. Many disease processes in the body stem from inflammation so if we can lower inflammatory markers in the body our health will naturally improve. You can find several research articles in pub med citing the documented health benefits. They are even researching it as a way to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics. I began taking a supplement with resveratrol 3 months ago and I have seen a marked decrease in pain levels and over all inflammation. Inflammatory markers in my blood work actually decreased.
Health Benefits of Resveratrol
Supports Heart Health: Resveratrol is perhaps best known for its cardiovascular benefits. It helps to lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, and prevent the formation of blood clots. This makes it a key player in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Anti-Aging Properties: One of the most exciting aspects of resveratrol is its potential to slow down the aging process. It activates a group of proteins called sirtuins, which have been linked to longevity. Additionally, its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress contributes to healthier, younger-looking skin.
Enhances Cognitive Function: Research suggests that resveratrol may protect the brain from age-related decline. It’s thought to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Supports Weight Management: Resveratrol has also been shown to influence how the body stores fat and manages insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial in weight management and preventing type 2 diabetes.
Cancer Prevention: While research is still ongoing, some studies indicate that resveratrol may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells by affecting the way they replicate and spread.
How to Incorporate Resveratrol into Your Diet
While resveratrol is found naturally in foods like red grapes, blueberries, and peanuts, the amounts are relatively small. To reap its full benefits, you might consider supplements. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
For those who prefer to get their nutrients from whole foods, enjoy a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those high in polyphenols. Drinking a glass of red wine occasionally can also provide a modest amount of resveratrol, though moderation is key.
I have personally found a resveratrol supplement I love and take daily. It is Vivix. It comes in the form of a gummy, soft gel, or liquid. I mainly use the gummy or liquid.
The Magical Muscadine Grape
My great grandmother had muscadine grape vines in her back yard in Branford, FL and we loved picking them as children. Our mouths would get raw from the thick skin. At the time I had no idea all of the nutrients and benefits contained in the grape skins! Muscadine grapes have an extra set of chromosomes that gives it this hearty skin so it can survive in harsh conditions. It is a potent and durable fruit but often times the skin and seeds of the grape are discarded. The grapes used for Vivix are grown on a multi-generational farm in southern Georgia. Most of the grapes are used for juice and wine and then the remnants that are full of antioxidants, are discarded. Shaklee decided to partner with this farm and buy the remnants to help promote sustainable farming practices. They send the remnants to their lab and extract the polyphenols and nutrients and concentrate them. The concentrate is then combined with resveratrol and other polyphenol sources to make a potent synergistic effect of a polyphenol blend. Every individual polyphenol in this blend contributes to the antioxidant benefits of the blend.
Vivix ingredients address key factors that cause cellular aging. I have been blown away by the science of this product. I love a good research study and this product is proven by science to slow aging at the cellular level. It comes in 3 different forms. I prefer the liquid gels and my husband prefers the gummies. The liquid version makes a great mocktail! Vivix is formulated to slow aging at the cellular level by targeting the key factors that cause it.
This product has been proven to protect DNA from damage, blunt inflammatory response, reduce the formation of damaging advanced glycation end products, protect against oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals, boost cellular energy production, and slows telomere shortening (a by product of aging). You can read more of the science here. I truly believe if you take one supplement this should be the one you choose. It is backed by over 27 global patents is part of Shaklee’s groundbreaking 10 year Landmark Study. If I have completely lost you with my nerdiness just trust me on this one. In the past I haven’t been consistent with supplements but after I read the science on these, I don’t miss a day!