There are a number of trendy superfood and diet trick articles that pop up regularly which tell us what miracle item we should be using to boost our health and our weight loss. Largely these superfoods have been around and in use for many years however have only recently become popular in the media. Resveratrol is one of these little known superfoods.
Once considered a trendy superfood Resveratrol received a considerable amount of attention however as with many health and fitness trends some people soon forgot when the next big thing came along and quite frankly have been denying themselves this clever plant-based superfood ever since.
Where Can I Find Resveratrol?
A naturally occurring compound Resveratrol may be found primarily in the skins of red and purple grapes where its function is to ward off the bacteria and fungi that might spoil the grape on the vine. It also works to protect grapes from any causes of nutritional "lacking". If you aren't a grape fan Resveratrol may also be found in mulberries, blueberries, cranberries, lingonberries, peanuts and pistachios and cacao (yes, dark chocolate).
What Health Benefits Does Resveratrol Offer?
This is not a compound that is shy when it comes to handing out health and well-being benefits. One of the main points that caught researchers' eyes when Resveratrol first became known was its keen anti-oxidising properties and more so its ability to kick-start a natural mechanism that is geared towards anti-aging.
One of the key benefits of Resveratrol is the fact that it is a keen anti-oxidant which is geared particularly towards being an anti-inflammatory agent. Research suggests that Resveratrol may prevent two main triggers of inflammation, phospholipase D and sphingosine kinase in their tracks which is significant whether you are someone who suffers with inflammation, are in training or indeed is a preventative benefit for anyone. With so many chronic conditions and diseases having roots in severe inflammation the use of Resveratrol as part of your balanced diet and regime could be more important than you know.
Other benefits of Resveratrol include:
- The lowering of bad or damaging cholesterol (LDL)
- Protection against diabetes and obesity (which in turn causes or contributes to a number of health concerns)
- Improving blood vessel vasodilation therefore lowering the risk of blot clots
- Again, anti-aging.
If you aren't a grape or red wine drinker you may enjoy the benefits of Resveratrol via the other mentioned sources or even via a supplemental though as always it is important to ensure that the source of the supplement is reputable and that you enjoy supplements only as part of a nutritionally balanced, healthy diet.