Resveratrol & Dieting
Resveratrol has been known as an anti-aging supplement for some time now but did you know that those same experiments that started all the fuss also show resveratrol to be a useful aid to weight loss?
Resveratrol has been known to counteract weight gain in mice fed a high fat diet since 2006. In a famous experiment mice were fed a diet containing much more fat than the control group but some of them were also given resveratrol supplements. The mice also given the resveratrol were found to be no more likely to die than those on the standard diet. Their insulin and glucose levels were about normal though their cholesterol was elevated.
It is worth remembering that extensive testing on humans is still to be carried out but given the promising animal experiments and the so called ‘French Paradox’, it is not surprising there has been such interest in resveratrol’s weight loss promise. (The ‘French Paradox’ refers to the apparent ability of some Mediterranean people to be able to consume diets high in fats yet not suffer the usual bad effects of such a diet).
So what is resveratrol anyway? It’s a compound produced by some plants when they are under threat of fungal or bacterial infection. It is found in several plants including blueberries and grapes, where it is most plentiful in the skins. Its presence in grape skins means it is also present in red wine though the amount can vary considerably depending on the grape variety and where it was grown.
It has been shown to have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties as well as having a metabolism boosting effect so it is hardly surprising resveratrol has been of such interest in the health field. Some attention from TV shows has only helped boost this interest and demand.
The resveratrol we see in nutritional supplements while commonly marketed with pictures of red wine actually usually comes from Japanese Knotweed as this is the most economical method of harvesting. Whatever its plant origin, the resveratrol available on the market also varies in its quality, dosage and effectiveness so it is important to buy from a reputable supplier.
Because resveratrol is a rather delicate compound that breaks down easily, several different methods are used to ensure enough of it actually reaches the bloodstream and is not broken down by the digestive system too early. This again means that you should choose your supplier carefully to avoid disappointment.
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