|
Resveratrol is a protective compound produced by red grapes (and certain
other plants) as a defence against parasites. Many studies have demonstrated that resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant and
that it protects human health through a number of mechanisms. Indeed, research attributes much of the health protection conferred
by the famous ‘French paradox’ to resveratrol.
While red wine previously contained 8 to 10 mg resveratrol
per litre, there is unfortunately almost no resveratrol in today’s red wine due to widespread use of pesticides. We
have, however, managed to find a source of pharmaceutical grade resveratrol, extracted directly from organic red grapes, which
retains the natural balance of all its active compounds: polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanidins and oligoproanthocyanidins
(OPCs). This is then enriched with resveratrol extracted from the plant Polygonum cuspidatum and standardised to provide 10%
resveratrol. It’s the most natural and powerful extract available! Resveratrol is without doubt the most effective and
best-researched phytonutrient you can take to maintain and protect your health. It is a brilliant solution to many age-related
health problems:
- The World Health Organisation suggests that resveratrol single-handedly reduces
cardiovascular risk by 40%! Resveratrol is more effective than vitamin E, protecting against a wider range of free radicals
to prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the action of thrombin
and several other aggregating factors. It promotes production of nitric oxide which relaxes and dilates the arteries. It reduces
blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels as well as the intrinsic hypertensive agent endothelin-1.
- Resveratrol is the only natural product with such strong evidence to show
it stops cancerous cell development at various stages: a study published in the prestigious review ‘Science’ showed
that resveratrol blocks the proliferation of cancerous cells during three important stages of development. A study in which
mice were given resveratrol over 18 weeks showed a reduction in skin tumours of 98%! Resveratrol destroys cancerous cells
whether or not they are either oestrogen-dependent, or have the gene, p53. An Austrian study showed that resveratrol prevented
certain types of cancer from metastasising to bone. Other research has demonstrated that in some cases, it improved the results
of chemotherapy. It can also block the cancer-promoting effects of a linoleic acid-rich diet. Unlike many drugs, resveratrol
protects, rather than destroys, healthy cells. Its anti-cancer action is diverse, powerful and sophisticated.
- Preliminary studies suggest that resveratrol - administered singly, and in
combination with other antioxidants - protects the brain against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to play a major
role in most neurodegenerative diseases.
- A Chinese study has recently shown that, when injected immediately after
injury, resveratrol is as effective as the drug prednisone at protecting against inflammation of the spinal cord, but with
additional benefit of antioxidant protection. A study of rats pre-supplemented with resveratrol for 21 days has shown that
it improves the prognosis, and reduces the permanent effects of stroke.
- According to a study at Harvard Medical School, resveratrol activates a longevity
gene in certain strains of yeast and extends life expectancy by 70%! It works in the same way as calorie restriction (the
only scientifically-proven way of increasing longevity) by activating SIR genes. Research to date has been restricted to yeasts,
flies and nematodes but it’s worth noting that humans also possess these genes.
|
