21.1.12

Resveratrol

Let´s quickly look at resveratrol which has been and still is a hot potato.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a type of natural phenol, and a phytoalexin produced naturally by several plants when under attack by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. Wiki It is for example found in grapes and thus a ingredient of red wine.

The studies that most articles and books rely on is studies done on mice and worms and short lived fish. In these studies some positive cardiovascular effects and lowering of blood sugar has been found in mice. When testing the longevity factor on the short lived fish there are studies that show an increase in age by 40% procent. But let´s remember, this is short lived fish not complex on top of the food chain humans!

There was an trial done on humans in India where they were given a very high dose of resveratrol and this test showed decreased blood sugar levels which was seen as an positive effect of resveratrol. But remember, this was a extremely high dose, 3-5 g, which was taken during 28 days.

Lets compare this to a glass of wine. One glass, 125 ml, contains no more than 1 mg of resveratrol so is there any proof that 2 mg (2 glasses day) increases longevity and decreases high blood sugar? No, not to my knowledge.

(If you are interested to know more about resveratrol, testings, findings and more go and visit this blog which has an very interesting in depth article on the subject. )



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