Now and then, the medical and healthcare industry is introduced to a new medication, supplement, or drug. There are those that offer the real deal; they really offer relief and sometimes, a cure. But there are also those that are merely scams or overnight miracle pills that do nothing but harm the pocket.
This reminds us of the importance of learning everything that you can about a particular product before endorsing or trying it out. Take Resveratrol, for example. This antioxidant is said to fight off several diseases while also helping stop the aging process. If it is your first time to hear about this product, you should not immediately jump on the bandwagon and join the praise committee. Find time to study the product first.
Well, since resveratrol is actually associated with red wine, it is not really new to many. Still the same, though, you need to gather every important detail about it before allowing it to get into your system. To help you out, here are five benefits that you are expected to get once you make resveratrol a part of your diet.
Why Include Resveratrol in Your Diet?
Since you cannot possibly take in too much red wine, where resveratrol is said to originate (from grape seeds and skins, actually), manufacturers have managed to produce supplements that you can easily take along with a balanced diet. However, the best way to incorporate resveratrol in your diet is to increase your intake of dark purple fruits like grapes and blueberries, as well as vegetables like purple cabbage. You can also choose to include more red grapes, dark chocolate, and peanut butter in your diet. All these contain resveratrol. Here are five reasons why you should make resveratrol a significant part of your healthy diet.
1. Resveratrol Improves Cardiovascular Functioning
Have you ever heard someone say that red wine is good for the heart? If you have, you are not alone. Almost all of us, at one point in our lives, have been asked this question. Why do you think this is? Well, because there is truth to this. Resveratrol is said to help improve cardiovascular function, so it helps prevent heart diseases. While studies indicate that this is possible if you drink around one or two 5-ounce glasses of wine every day, it is better to take in supplements or fresh fruits rich in resveratrol. What this powerful antioxidant does is precondition the heart so that the risk of cardiac problems is significantly reduced.
2. Resveratrol can fight off colon cancer and (possibly) other forms of cancer.
A study conducted in France indicated that resveratrol could act as a “cancer chemopreventive agent.” What it does is hinder or discourage the proliferation of cells while also putting a stop to the cell cycle. The study also indicated that resveratrol triacetate and vineatrol are the active ingredients responsible for this. In other words, it slows down cancerous cells production. So if your family has a history of cancer, you should start adding more grapes, blueberries, and peanuts to your diet. You might also want to take in some red wine regularly. Just be careful that you don’t drink too much!
3. Resveratrol is good for endurance.
Resveratrol contains ingredients that can help improve your skeletal muscles, particularly in terms of endurance. In a study conducted on rats in Canada back in 2012, it was proven that taking resveratrol supplements or adding resveratrol-rich food in your diet can improve endurance and cardiac function, as well as increase oxidative metabolism. So if you workout and go on endurance training, eating some grapes, blueberries, and peanuts or taking a resveratrol supplement an hour or two before hitting the gym can greatly help. Combined with regular endurance training, resveratrol will provide exceptional results.
4. Resveratrol is good for the eyes.
As you age, you will slowly experience changes in your vision. While this is normal, you can always do something to counter this. As resveratrol can help stop the blood vessels from growing abnormally, your eyes will be spared from developing damage. Resveratrol, according to some researchers in Missouri, helps control angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).
5. Resveratrol Helps Increase Blood Flow and Improve Mental Health
Resveratrol is said to help increase blood flow to the brain. As such, it can improve mental health. It can improve mental sharpness. This means your memory function is good and your overall mental performance is more than the normal. Be careful, though, when taking resveratrol supplements. Make sure that you do not take in more than the 250 mg daily intake that is allowed.