Resveratrol is produced by certain plants to protect them from stress caused by the environment. It is a phytoalexin which is a byproduct of a plant’s natural defense mechanism. Resveratrol is found in huge amounts in the skin of grapes and this antioxidant protects the grapes from extreme heat and fungal diseases. It is therefore found abundantly in cooler climates. Wine is understandably one of the largest sources of this powerful antioxidant.

This antioxidant does not allow fungal infections to affect the plant and also protects the plant from heat. Cooler climates can see more of resveratrol as it is here that there are more chances of fungus infecting the plants.

Though the curative effects of resveratrol are only in the research stages, this antioxidant shows a lot of promise in the cure of heart diseases and cancer. It reduces the risk of heart attacks and clotting of blood with the property by which it reduces the aggregation of platelets in the blood. Resveratrol also shows promise of damage prevention of free occurring cells. This property shows promise in the treatment of cancer.

Sources of resveratrol are mainly grapes. In the grapes, it is found more in the skin than the seeds and stalk. It is found in lesser quantities in plants like lily, spruce and eucalyptus. Resveratrol is also found in sufficient quantities in mulberries and peanuts. Grapes being predominantly used in preparation of wine, resveratrol can be found in considerable quantities in wine.

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.

It is also commonly believed that resveratrol has anti aging properties as demonstrated by experiments conducted on animals. Polygonum is a plant which contains resveratrol in abundance. This plant is one of the main ingredients present in some of the asian herbal remedies for heart and liver.

Polygonum Cuspidatum commonly known as the Japanese Knotweed is also a good source of naturally occurring resveratrol.

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.

It is also not advisable to consume red wine in big quantities in a bid to prevent heart diseases and cancer. This will inevitably lead to other conditions like liver damage. It is prudent to wait for any outcome from research in the form of licensed drugs. Information and updates on resveratrol can be found on the internet.

There is no harm however in taking natural grapes, peanuts, blueberries and such known to contain resveratrol in reasonable quantities rather than taking supplements that contain resveratrol, or in powder and patch forms.

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