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Resveratrol - Effects and uses

By: Denise Richards The largest source of resveratrol which is actually an antioxidant produced by certain plants as a reaction to environmental stress is grapes. Actually, the skin of grapes contains this phytoalexin in abundance. This is the reason why the resveratrol content is more in red wine.

Recent studies have shown some interesting facts about this antioxidant. Resveratrol is seen to reduce the aggregation of platelets in the blood thereby reducing the risk of strokes, clots and even heart attacks. Moreover, resveratrol helps in prevention of damage of cells resulting from the presence of free radicals. This powerful antioxidant is also known to fight cancer effectively in all stages.

Resveratrol occurs naturally as well as in diet supplements. Resveratrol is predominantly found in muscadine grapes, Vitis vinifera and labrusca. These are the varieties of grapes used in making of wine. Resveratrol is concentrated on the skin of the grapes though it is also found to a certain extent in the seeds, roots and stalks. Resveratrol is also found in certain other plants like lily, eucalyptus and spruce and foodstuff like peanuts and mulberries.

Wine is an excellent source of resveratrol. It is found more in red wine as the fermentation period is long. Another factor influencing the amount of resveratrol in wine is the environment the grapes are grown in. If they are from humid conditions, resveratrol content is found to be higher. This is due to the fact that grapes tend to be affected by fungal diseases in humid areas due to the moisture content.

Resveratrol is found to reduce aggregation of platelets thereby helping in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Studies are however inconclusive as they have been conducted only on tissue cultures in artificial environments. It is yet to be tested on animals and humans.

Resveratrol has found to inhibit formation of free radicals as it is a powerful antioxidant. This proves to be helpful during the initial stages of tumor formation. Resveratrol also shows potential in inhibition of cyclooxygenase - 1. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme which promotes the formation of pro inflammatory substances by converting arachidonic acid. These substances are the root cause for stimulating the growth of tumor cells.

Resveratrol is also manufactured as diet supplements. It is available in the form of a transdermal patch and in liquid form. The transdermal patch resembles a nicotine patch. This antioxidant is also offered in powdered or tablet form.

However, as with all substances, it is prudent to wait for further research and analysis before using this antioxidant as a sure treatment or preventive measure for any condition. Though resveratrol displays a very strong positive potential in certain conditions like coronary disease and cancer, there is a long way to go before it can be determined whether these diseases can be helped with this antioxidant or not.

Resveratrol is a very prospective cure for some major ailments like stroke and cancer. However, extensive research is under way and we soon hope for results. Information on what is happening on this front is available on the internet. There are various sites offering information and updates on the research front. It is interesting to study about this wonder antioxidant as of now. It is prudent to wait for conclusive evidence before taking it as a preventive measure or as a curative for any ailment.

Valuable information about this wonder antioxidant can be had from the internet. A lot of information is available on recent studies and research on this product along with new resveratrol based supplements introduced in the market.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

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