Grapeful Health: The Facts About Resveratrol

For some time now grape seed extract has been known to strengthen and repair connective tissue, and promote enzyme activity, but grapes are currently a hot topic in the medical world because of a new compound. Its name is resveratrol. This substance is one of a group of compounds (called phytoalexins) that sudden environmental changes, such as bad storms, cause to take place within certain plants.
The most abundant sources of resveratrol are Vitis vinifera, labrusca, and muscadine grapes, which are used to make wines. Although it is present in the vines, roots, and stalks of the plants, the highest concentration is found in the in the skin of the grape, which contains 50-100 micrograms per gram. Since the manufacturing process of red wine includes prolonged contact with grape skins, red wine contains far higher amounts of resveratrol than white wine. Resveratrol, as well as the other polyphenols in wine, is thought to account in large part for the so-called French Paradox - the finding that the rate of coronary heart disease mortality in France is lower than observed in other industrialized countries with a similar risk factor.
Anti-aging
Because of its anti-oxidant properties resveratrol may be able to slow down or reduce the effects of aging. The presence of free radicals in our system has for sometime been linked to the aging process. Free radicals are single atoms or atom clusters with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons. This means they are volatile, their unpaired electron causes free radicals to collide with other molecules, hijacking them and snatching an electron. Once inside the cell, they cause mutations in the DNA. This process continues in a massive chain reaction. Anti-oxidants fight and destroy free radicals that accumulate in our bodies working to both slow down and repair free-radical damage.Cardio-vascular Protection
Resveratrol is already well known for its cardio-vascular protective benefits. It helps to decrease platelet aggregation, and reduces serum lipids. Controlled clinical studies suggest that resveratrol rich diets result in reduced cardiovascular disease risk. One of the serious complications of free radical damage is hardening and thickening of arteries; creating a vicious cycle of radicals, artery damage, and narrowing due to scar tissue, which in turn, promotes more free radical activity and more damage. Resveratrol's antioxidant action helps stop free radical damage and opens the arteries by enhancing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas that enables smooth muscles to relax. This relaxation of the smooth muscle also occurs in the walls of the blood vessels and allows blood to flow smoothly through the vessel.Resveratrol has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and, therefore, may be a potent nutrient in preventing cardiovascular disease. It has also shown to reduce the clumping of platelets. Thus, such conditions as atherosclerosis and heart attacks, which are often caused by arterial blockages, may potentially be reduced by this potent substance.