There are many health professionals, doctors, and individuals in the fitness world, who have touted the benefits of drinking a glass of wine a day.
This is because of a compound known as ‘resveratrol’.
But, what is resveratrol? What are the benefits? And, can it really improve the appearance of your skin? Keep reading to find out!
What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a plant compound which is found in the skin of grapes, which acts similarly in the body to the way antioxidants act.
Resveratrol belongs to a group commonly referred to as polyphenols.
Polyphenols act similarly to antioxidants in the body. Although it’s most commonly known for being present in high volumes within the skin of grapes, resveratrol can also be found in:
- Soy
- Berries
- Chocolate
- Peanuts
So… Why Does the Skincare Industry Love Resveratrol?
The primary reason that the skincare industry touts resveratrol is because it works at a cellular level to help fight the signs of aging.
It combats free radicals, helps increase elasticity, and reduce oxidative stress.
All of these benefits improve the overall appearance of skin, and result in a younger, a more jovial appearance. Who doesn’t want that?
The Health Benefits of Resveratrol You’ve Been Missing:
Yes, we love the anti-aging properties, and the fact that it will help improve the appearance of your skin.
However, resveratrol benefits users in far more ways than this:
It’s been linked to helping with improved memory and cognition.
Resveratrol has been known to work as an anti-inflammatory, in treating pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Resveratrol will also protect against damage which is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Additionally, resveratrol helps:
- Reduce inflammation on multiple levels
- Activates SIRT1 (which turns off genes which promote aging)
- Stimulates healthy cell proliferation
- Improves functions of fibroblasts (which help create healthy collagen)
All of these powerful functions working side by side help improve the appearance of skin.
Health/Disease Prevention
Resveratrol has also gained plenty of recognition for its ability to fight certain diseases. Early research suggests it can help:
- Treating heart disease by helping reduce inflammation and lowering LDL cholesterol levels
- Reduce nitric oxide levels which help relax the blood vessels and can help reduce the risk of heart disease
- Treatment for cancer, by limiting the spread of cancerous cells in the body
- Alzheimer’s treatment, as it helps protect nerves from damage which cause this disease
- Treat diabetes, by helping prevent insulin resistance
Researches in these areas are in the early stages. However, the studies have been promising in the effects and benefits that resveratrol can deliver.
Resveratrol as an Anti-Inflammatory
For those who suffer from arthritis, or other conditions which cause chronic pain associated with inflammation, this is a great benefit to help reduce pain and discomfort.
It’s also thought to block COX enzymes, which are the primary target of NSAIDs and other painkillers, which are used in treating inflammatory conditions.
Some studies conducted on animals, lead scientists to believe resveratrol can also help block:
- STAT3 which contributes to problems with chronic inflammation
- HMGB1 which is a protein made by the body, triggering arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions
- Nf-Kb pathways which trigger inflammation in the body
*These studies have been conducted in animals, and are still in early stages. However, the results have been positive to date.
The Fight Against Obesity
The obesity epidemic is a major one in the US, and many other regions around the world.
For people who have a hard time controlling their appetite, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, resveratrol might help.
Although human research hasn’t been conducted, there is research which has been conducted on animals which might support evidence that it can assist in treating obesity.
In rats, who were on a high fat diet, resveratrol helped prevent the death of protective immune cells (tregs) and reduced oxidative stress levels in the body.
It helped prevent fat cells from making new fats, and helped turn off the genes which are responsible for weight gain.
Resveratrol may also be helpful in fighting obesity as it can help block fat creating enzymes in the body.
The studies indicated a decrease in average weight, and reduced body fat levels.
This, along with the belief that resveratrol can help in reducing blood fats and reducing bad cholesterol levels, make for a powerful combination in the fight against obesity.
Protecting the Brain
Cognitive decline, which is related to aging, has been shown to be slowed by drinking a glass of red wine daily.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits found in resveratrol are in part the reason this is believed to be true.
The compounds may set of a series of chain events, helping to protect the brain from cellular damage.
Resveratrol is correlated with increased glutamate uptake. This is important to help protect the brain from strokes and degeneration.
IGF-1 levels were also increased with the introduction of resveratrol, which is known to help improve in cognition and memory-related functions.
Positively Effecting Blood Fats
Studies conducted on animals, also suggest that resveratrol can change the blood fats in animals (in a positive way).
Studies indicate that HDL (good cholesterol) levels were increased in one test group of rats which were given resveratrol supplements.
Additional benefits it may promote in blood fats include:
- Oxidation decrease of LDL (antioxidants help reduce these levels)
- Reduce bad cholesterol levels
- Reduce the possibility of blood clots from forming
All of these are positive effects on blood fat levels.
These are also some of the reasons why researchers believe resveratrol may have a positive impact in the fight against certain heart conditions.
By reducing plaque and blood clots, it can help prevent certain forms of heart disease in some people who are prone to them, or have a family history.
Help with Muscle Growth
Resveratrol can help increase muscle building pathways by reducing/blocking the processes which degrade proteins. Protein is essential in building lean muscle mass.
Studies on those who were exercising while taking resveratrol also led to enhanced exercise training response.
In rats (test subjects); aerobic performance, upper muscle strength, and overall muscle mass, all increased.
Increases in IGF-1 levels are also linked to the use of resveratrol.
IGF-1 is known to help promote lean muscle mass development, so this might also be a positive in the road towards proving this supplement can actually help increase muscle mass.
Help in Fighting Infections
Resveratrol has also been linked to having virus-fighting action/capabilities. In different studies with animals, it was effective in treating:
- Herpes virus infection
- Viruses which are caused by oral and genital herpes
- The flu and the common cold
- Treating the virus that can cause chickenpox
- Viruses linked to gut infections
Researchers believe that it is a powerful anti-viral component, and can be utilized in different treatments and medication in the future.
Joint Pain Relief
In studies conducted on rabbits with arthritis, it was found that resveratrol injections helped to minimize cartilage damage.
Damaged cartilage is one of the leading problems which leads to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Resveratrol, as highlighted above, also helps reduce inflammation in the body.
By helping prevent cartilage deterioration, and by reducing inflammation in the joints, resveratrol may be a powerful aid in treating certain conditions like arthritis, and helping reduce inflammation and pain associated with it.
Reducing inflammation and helping prevent further damage to the joints, will help improve mobility. which many people who suffer from arthritis tend to struggle with on a daily basis.
Balancing Your Neurotransmitters:
Another study conducted on animals (rats), showed that resveratrol blocked the serotonin and noradrenaline back into the brain cells from neurons in the test subjects.
What this does is increases concentration in synapse.
Resveratrol is said to increase serotonin levels (the happy hormone/feel good hormone), which has the possibly to enhance your mood.
It also blocks MAO, which is an enzyme, which if not broken down properly, can also have an adverse effect on one’s mood.
No Major Side Effects Noted
There were no major side effects which have been noted by health professionals.
Even when taken in high volumes, these supplements seem to be safe for most people (and animals).
Potential Interactions
Although no major side effects were noted, it’s still important for individuals who take certain medications to understand that including resveratrol into their diet (or as a skincare product) might adversely interact with some medications you are currently taking.
Resveratrol supplements might adversely interact with certain:
- NSAIDs (Advil, Tylenol, other painkillers)
- Certain prescription medications (discuss with your doctor if you aren’t sure how it will interact with resveratrol)
- Blood thinners
Apart from this, there aren’t many known medications which resveratrol will adversely interact with.
The primary reason that NSAIDs and blood thinners may present a problem is that they might increase the chance of bleeding, especially when resveratrol is introduced at a higher dosage levels.
To best determine if it is safe for use, it’s important to talk to your doctor or specialist if you do take these medications (or other prescriptions), to ensure your safety with resveratrol supplements.
The Verdict is…
Resveratrol has been shown to greatly enhance the appearance of your skin.
You’ll notice softer, finer, younger looking skin with regular use.
You’ll also notice the elasticity of your skin is improved. Because it helps reduce oxidative stress, you’ll feel more energized and won’t be as groggy throughout the day.
The bottom line is this; research has not been conducted on humans (at least not sufficiently) enough to understand the full benefits which resveratrol might provide to humans over time.
However, the limited research that has been conducted is promising.
This, along with animal research and test tube research which has been conducted, highlight many of the potential benefits which resveratrol can offer when taken at the proper dosage.
Add this alongside the fact that there are very few known side effects, which further enhances the power and great benefits you might experience with resveratrol to help improve overall health, well-being, and as an anti-aging supplement.
Women (and men) who want to improve their appearance and realize instant anti-aging benefits will greatly appreciate the healing powers of reservatrol.
It’s not just a younger looking face and fewer crow’s feet around the eyes that you’ll notice. Resveratrol might be the key to a younger, healthier, happier, and more immune you with everyday use!
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Referenced Research/Studies:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/resveratrol#section6
https://selfhacked.com/blog/top-15-scientific-health-benefits-of-resveratrol-with-references/
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/resveratrol-supplements#1-2
https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/a28378301/resveratrol-skin-benefits/
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