Resveratrol

A lot of discussion is happening right now about resveratrol, often called the ‘red wine molecule’. Resveratrol is found in grapes and other plant products, including certain roots and berries. But the talk isn’t so much about the foods that resveratrol is found in, but about the molecule itself, and the astounding health benefits that it has been linked to.

Anecdotal reports of resveratrol health benefits from users of resveratrol supplements have reported experiencing greater energy and prolonged physical endurance, sharper mental clarity and focus, evened out sleeping habits, and a greater sense of general well being. Some have even reported benefits of greater emotional stability and calmness in stressful situations. One user reported to an online forum that three warts that had returned after being previously frozen off had this time disappeared on their own fourteen days after he began taking a particular brand of resveratrol supplements. Other reported resveratrol benefits from the general public are lessening of chest pains and asthma symptoms, relief from lower back pain, greater eye vision, and weight loss. Relief from gout has even been reported as a health benefit experienced after starting resveratrol supplementation. It is important to keep in mind, though, that these reported effects have not happened under scientific controls, and there are no medical tests to back these claims up. At the same time, anecdotal evidence is important to know about, as the health benefits of resveratrol supplementation in humans has not yet been scientifically demonstrated.

More exciting than the anecdotal reports from the general public, however, are the results of studies coming directly from the labs of scientists and researchers. Resveratrol has been found to have some remarkable abilities, including powerful antioxidant properties, as well as anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties. Researchers at Harvard Medical School and at the National Institute of Aging have been actively studying this molecule. Their findings suggest that resveratrol supplementation could possibly be effective in counteracting the ravages to the body caused by a high fat, high calorie diet. Other results from their studies show that mice given resveratrol supplementation tended to maintain their ability to balance across a rotating rod as they aged, showing lower degeneration of motor skills.

While scientists and researchers work to develop guidelines for human use of resveratrol supplements, many people in both the scientific community and the general public are already sold on the health benefits already experienced, as well as the health benefits that might be possible. The next few years should be exciting for all that are waiting to see what’s next for this molecule that seems to hold so much promise.

_{»crosslinked«}