Resveratrol
Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as beneficial for a heart healthy. Red wine contains many substances called antioxidants, which may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of ‘good’ cholesterol and protecting against artery damage.
While the news about red wine might sound great if you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol. That’s because too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body.
Still, doctors do agree that something in red wine appears to help your heart, though it’s unclear just exactly what that “something” is. Researchers think an antioxidant, called resveratrol, could have promising heart-healthy benefits.
How is red wine heart healthy?
Studies suggest that red wine seems to have even more heart-health benefits than other types of alcohol. The studies supporting red wine suggest antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. These antioxidants come in two main forms: flavonoids and nonflavonoids.
Flavonoids. These antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, including oranges, grape juice, apples, onions, tea and cocoa. Other types of alcohol, such as white wine and beer, contain small amounts, too, but red wine has higher levels.
Non-flavonoids. These antioxidants found in red wine have recently been of particular interest because they appear to help prevent arteries from becoming clogged with fatty blockages. Resveratrol is the nonflavonoid that’s received the most attention from researchers.
Resveratrol in red wine
Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces “bad” cholesterol and prevents blood clots.
Some research shows that resveratrol could be linked to a reduced risk of inflammation and blood clotting, both of which can lead to heart disease. More research is needed before it’s known whether resveratrol was the cause for the reduced risk.
Most research on resveratrol has been conducted on animals, not people. Research in mice given resveratrol has indicated that the antioxidant might also help protect them from obesity and diabetes, both of which are strong risk factors for heart disease.
Whilst a daily glass of Red wine after a heavy meal could be considered constitutional, the truth is one can not obtain sufficient resveratrol merely from drinking red wine. An entire bottle only contains about 7 mg whereas the studies at Harvard and other institutions used over 300mg.
Those seeking an alcohol free way of taking Resvertrol, should look to Resvertrol capsules.
Suggested Dosage
Research has suggested a daily dose of 150mg to be recommended.
Side effects and safety of Resveratrol
Resveratrol has been used widely with minimal side effects, however negative side effects have been noted in volunteer participants taking mega doses (500 – 1000 mg) of resveratrol. While these side effects were reversible, they are worth considering. The side effects experienced included diarrhea, abnormal blood tests, over thinning of the blood, headaches, and anxiety.
Always check with your doctor before combining Resveratrol with prescription medications.
Resveratrol is not suitable along side warfarin.
Resveratrol has a very mild oestrogenic action, so should not be use by woman with estrogen-sensitive conditions, including some cancers.
It is also recommended that resveratrol supplementation be avoided by children and women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive.
