The benefits of Resveratrol – a polyphenol of great scientific interest
Source: 3dchem.com; molecular structure of resveratrol
Resveratrol is part of a group of compounds called polyphenols. They’re thought to act like antioxidants, protecting the body against damage that can put you at higher risk for things like cancer and heart disease.
The molecule is found naturally in the skin of red grapes, but you can also find it in peanuts, red wine, berries, and other foods and berries.
Resveratrol belongs to a group of compounds known as stilbenes. It is a phytoalexin, a type of antibiotic produced by plants to protect against infections. This compound has two isomeric forms: cis-resveratrol and trans-resveratrol, with the latter being the more biologically active and stable form. Trans-resveratrol is the form most commonly found in dietary supplements and has been the subject of extensive research.
Upon ingestion, resveratrol is absorbed through the intestines and enters the bloodstream. However, its bioavailability is relatively low due to rapid metabolism and elimination. Despite this, resveratrol can exert its beneficial effects at the cellular level.
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Antioxidant Action: Resveratrol's primary role in the body is as an antioxidant. It neutralizes free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress and preventing damage to cellular structures, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. This function is crucial in protecting the body from various chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Anti-inflammatory Effects: Resveratrol has been shown to inhibit the activity of enzymes and molecules involved in inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor in many diseases, and by reducing inflammation, resveratrol can help mitigate the risk of these conditions.
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Cardiovascular Benefits: Resveratrol supports cardiovascular health by improving the function of blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing LDL cholesterol levels. It also prevents the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Like many food supplements, all Resveratrol products are not created equal. “Pure Resveratrol” refers to the relative content of trans-resveratrol, the active ingredient and beneficial substance in resveratrol. Purification is the process of isolating trans-resveratrol from the rest of the plant and discarding the remaining impurities.
One clue to the purity of Resveratrol is its physical appearance. Pure Resveratrol powder (at least 98% purity) derived from Japanese knotweed, is white or off-white in colour, and (almost) doorless, while low-purity Resveratrol is light brown or darker, and has a strong, distinctive odour.
In general, the higher the purity, the lighter the colour. However, be careful, random lab testing has revealed that some companies add rice flour to a low-purity product in order to lighten it, which is pretty crazy if you ask us.
98+% pure trans-resveratrol (white or off-white in colour suggests purity. Make sure to ask for lab tests as some unscrupulous vendors may mix useless fillers to make it look white):
50% trans-resveratrol (brownish in colour - throw it away):
Because the FDA does not require purity values to be indicated on a product’s label, inferior products can be hard to spot.
Beware of bargain pricing and misleading descriptors such as “Extra Strength,” “Super Potency,” “High Purity,” and “Maximum Strength.” Many brands with these claims contain low-purity Resveratrol – between 20-50% – and while they may cost less per bottle, they require substantially higher doses to achieve the same effect.
With so many imposters on the market, what’s the best way to make an educated choice?
Pay attention to the “Supplement Facts” label, which should indicate both the “total product” content and the “trans-resveratrol” content.
By providing dual values, we can calculate the actual purity of the product in question. For example, a 50% pure product should be indicated on the label as “Resveratrol (Polygonum Cuspidatum Root): 500 mg yielding 250 mg Trans-resveratrol.” Or, “Standardized to 50% Trans-resveratrol.”
If you suspect that you have purchased a questionable product, ask the manufacturer for a COA (Certificate of Analysis) and/or a third-party lab testing certificate.
Our advice is never to buy Resveratrol that is less than 98% pure. Ignore all the hype branding especially empty words like “Super Potency” and “Extra Strength”. In fact, if you see these words and the powder is brownish in colour, you are best served by throwing the product in the rubbish bin as it will have no impact on your cells.
How to take Resveratrol
The thing about Resveratrol is that it is not soluble in water. We recommend you take your Resveratrol supplement with a meal so it gets dissolved along with the food and most crucially the fat content in your diet.
Ideally, we believe the best way to take resveratrol is with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is an excellent source of oleic acid as well as modest amounts of Vitamins E and K.
In fact, oleic acid in of itself is another promising longevity molecule that is the subject of on-going scientific studies for its properties related to protection against heart disease, combating cancer, alleviating inflammation and activating sirtuins.
Resveratrol dissolves perfectly in olive oil given the high levels of natural monosaturated fats present and you also get the double benefit of a daily dose of extra virgin oleic acid – win-win!
Independent Third-Party Testing
At Fivescore Labs, we will always provide a 3rd party independent tested certificate for our supplements. This is central to our thesis and the reason why we exist in the first place. We are on a mission to provide to the purest science backed supplements so that you can embark on your longevity journey with the comfort knowing that you are working with the best quality ingredients available on the market.
Our supplements are manufactured in a leading GMP certified lab in the UK that has over 50 years of experience in purest purest quality supplements. No expense or effort has been spared to finding a best-in-class facility in order to deliver the purest 98% trans-resveratrol supplement possible in our markets.
A holistic approach to longevity
Coupled with regular exercise, a varied diet, quality sleep and intermittent fasting, the scientific community believes that supplementing with evidence informed longevity compounds can elevate cellular health in the context of lifespan, healthspan, and overall well-being.
Additional Reading and Scientific Studies
Resveratrol regulates neuro-inflammation and induces adaptive immunity in Alzheimer's disease
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of resveratrol for Alzheimer disease
Resveratrol supplementation improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Evidence for a Common Mechanism of SIRT1 Regulation by Allosteric Activators
