The antioxidant and antitumor action of resveratrol makes it a promising supplement to treat various degenerative pathologies. Resveratrol is produced by the leaves and fruit of grapevines, blackberries, and other plants in response to ultraviolet radiation.
Resveratrol: what it is and what it is for
Resveratrol is a phytoalexin from the flavonoid familya type of polyphenols, discovered in the 1970s. Plants produce resveratrol in periods of environmental stress to defend themselves against the attack of certain fungi. The skin and stem of the grape They are its main sources.
In grapes and other plants, resveratrol It has the function of protecting the skin of the fruits against injuries, bacteria, fungi and sunlight.
in the bodyby acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, resveratrol can fulfill a wide variety of functions and serve to prevent or improve symptoms of various chronic diseases. These functions include:
- Resveratrol inhibits the formation of free radicals, so protects from oxidative stress that accelerates cellular aging. It is antimutagenic and inducer of phase II of liver carcinogen detoxifying enzymes.
- Act as anti-inflammatory agent by suppressing the function of cyclooxygenases (COX), enzymes that catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid into proinflammatory substances such as prostaglandins 2 (PGE2), which stimulate the growth of tumor cells.
- It blocks the action of thrombin and several platelet aggregation factors, and promotes the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes and dilates the arteries.
All this makes it ideal to prevent or treat the following processes:
- Cancer. Various studies have demonstrated its powerful preventive activity by inhibiting the progression of mutated cells.
- Neurodegenerative diseases. Protects the brain and central nervous system against oxidative stress, which is the origin of most neurodegenerative pathologies.
- Aging. According to a study carried out at Harvard Medical School, it activates a longevity gene in certain yeasts and increases their life expectancy by up to 70%.
- Cholesterol and arteriosclerosis. Preserves the wall of the arteries and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Others. It may be useful in disorders such as macular degeneration, osteoporosis, lung diseases, diabetic neuropathy, wound healing, edema, hormonal imbalances, pancreatitis, Parkinson’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
How to take a resveratrol supplement
Resveratrol is a safe substance. No signs of toxicity even if ingested at high doses. The recommended daily amount is 210-560 mg for a person weighing 70 kg.
In any case, you should consult your doctor if you are taking anticoagulant, hypotensive, antiviral drugs or regulators of cardiac function such as digoxin, since it can enhance their effects.
If you still have doubts about resveratrol, its properties and use, below we resolve some of the most common doubts about this antioxidant compound. The dietitian-nutritionist Mercedes Blasco tells you.
10 doubts about the properties of resveratrol, resolved
By Mercedes Blasco, dietitian-nutritionist
Resveratrol can be obtained from grapes and other foods or taken in supplement formeither. Currently, its formulation in supplements has been improved and complemented, since Other dietary flavonoids, such as quercetin, appear to promote its bioavailability. In contact applications, such as in cosmetics, its effect becomes even more evident.
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protective properties are attributed to it. against neurological, cardiovascular, cancer and viral diseases.
However, resveratrol has a high metabolism and low bioavailability. Therefore, its effectiveness has been questioned due to its rapid oral metabolization.
It is now known that its effectiveness is maintained thanks to biochemical conversions that are still being studied, but we resolve the main doubts that may arise in this regard and about its properties.
What foods are rich in resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a polyphenoland more specifically a flavonoid, an antioxidant molecule that some plants generate to defend themselves against external agents.
It is obtained mainly by eating fresh black or muscat grapes, and also raisins. However, it is found also present, in smaller quantities, in other berriessuch as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and currants. Also in peanuts.
Although red wine contains resveratrol Due to the maceration of the grapes, the consumption of alcohol, even in small doses, is harmful to health.
Are resveratrol supplements safe?
He therapeutic use of resveratrol is done through supplementation and there seems to be unanimity about its high level of safety, even in pregnancy and breastfeeding, as long as it is not obtained from alcoholic sources such as wine.
Yeah They are contraindicated if you take anticoagulant medication or phytosanitary products and in case of surgery..
What is the recommended dosage of resveratrol?
Although resveratrol supplements can vary in content and purity, The optimal dose is between 250-1,500 mg per day for adults.
In higher doses it can cause stomach discomfort.
How does resveratrol act on the immune system?
resveratrol protects organs and tissuesas it acts on immune cells. Stimulates the synthesis of glutathione, the great endogenous antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radicals and lipid degeneration.
Stimulates immune cells and macrophagess, which attack viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. And activates the main anti-inflammatory pathways preventing imbalances.
Can resveratrol help prevent cancer?
Inflammation creates a microenvironment that facilitates the development of tumor cells. Resveratrol acts against the initiation, promotion and progression of these cells.
It also activates the immune system, increasing production of cytokines such as interferonwhich reduce the production of tumor growth factor. and helps in action of macrophages against cancer cells.
Why is resveratrol good for the heart?
Improves heart rate and facilitates the expansion of blood vesselswhich balances hypertension. Besides reduces thrombominlow-density LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
What effects does resveratrol have on diabetes?
resveratrol stimulates glucose metabolism, attenuates oxidationhelps regenerate the beta cells of the pancreas, and reduces fasting glucose and postprandial, glycosylated hemoglobin and insulin resistance.
Is it true that resveratrol helps you lose weight?
Resveratrol affects energy metabolism with an effect similar to that of calorie restriction. Increases autophagy through fatty acid oxidation and gluconeogenesis.
Besides, reduces the size of adipose cells and the level of fat in the liver and triglycerides in the blood.
How does resveratrol protect neurons?
Resveratrol plays a neuroprotective role and helps adaptive immunity. Act as protector against memory loss and improved learning. It has been proven active against amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles associated with Alzheimer’s.
Does resveratrol protect against virus infections?
By boosting the immune response, resveratrol contributes to stopping the appearance of respiratory viruses: rhinitis, flu and even covid. It appears to interfere with virus replication and entry into cells.
Can be used in aerosol treatmentsfor example in seasonal allergies.
Can resveratrol be useful in improving fertility?
As a phytoestrogen similar to estradiol, resveratrol can improve female reproductive function. Also male fertility increasing testosterone and spermiogenesis. As an antioxidant, counteracts poor sperm quality caused by tobacco and pollution.
Why is resveratrol so beneficial for the skin and eyes?
In cosmetics, resveratrol is used against dull skin, wrinkles and sun spots.and for its antibacterial action, against acne.
It is also used in eye drops. to alleviate the effect of ultraviolet light. It helps regenerate cells in cataracts and improves myopia and astigmatism.