http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089

Resveratrol and Red Wine

Resveratrol is a type of chemical produced by plants to ward off fungi and bacterial infections. It is often found in their skins since this is the main point of access by parasitic invaders.

Resvartrol has antioxidant properties. Many beneficial health effects in connection to resveratrol have been reported, such as anti-cancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. This has led some to call resvaratrol a longevity enhancer, good for overall health. Resveratrol is most often associated with its cardioprocective (heart and artery-healthy) benefits.

Resveratrol can be found in the skins of red grapes, blueberries and cranberries, and it can also be found in peanuts. When sold as a nutritional supplement, resveratrol is extracted mostly from the Japanese knotweed.

Because of the presence of red grape skins in its fermentation, resveratrol can also be found in red wine. This has led many to tout the health benefits of moderate drinking of red wine.

Resveratrol, Red Wine, and You Cardiovascular Health

Resveratrol is said to be good for your cardiac health because of its antioxidant properties. It can help prevent blood clots and damage to blood vessels, and it can help reduce cholesterol thereby fighting heart disease.

Studies have shown that mice given high doses of resveratrol enjoyed protective effects from diabetes and obesity. More research on humans with more feasible doses is necessary to investigate these effects in people.

Research is continuing on the benefits of resveratrol, and doctors caution that not enough is yet known to recommend resveratrol supplements, though a occasional glass of red wine, without overindulging, would not hurt. Drinking red grape juice and eating blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts may have the same benefits as red wine.

Resveratrol Side Effects

There are no known side effects of resveratrol.

However, there are side effects to drinking red wine, since this is an alcohol. While moderate alcohol consumption is not bad for you, and in some cases might even be good, alcohol can be addictive and the consumption of red wine just for the effects of resveratrol is not recommended. So if you already enjoy an occasional glass of red wine - continue to do so; otherwise drinking grape juice may be a better choice.

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