We’ve been hearing a lot lately about resveratrol, the ingredient in red wine that is said to have major health benefits for conditions like heart disease, obesity, and even the effects of aging. It may even stave off certain cancers and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Some people claim to feel more energetic and have less sleep problems.
Recently, researchers have come up with another benefit to drinking red wine. The title says it all: “So long, sunscreen? Scientists suggest red wine helps prevent sunburn,” by Ryan Jaslow. No, you don’t rub on your skin, you drink it.
Does it sound too good to be true? According to the staff at Mayo Clinic, the ingredient, resveratrol, might be the key element in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces "bad" cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Researchers claim that it may reduce the effects of obesity, which in turn reduces the chances of diabetes.
However, the research studies were only done on mice, not in people. Therefore, to get the same amount of resveratrol as in the mice studies, a person would have to drink around 60 liters of red wine a day. If you did that, you would be the healthiest wino on the block, right?
How do we get enough resveratrol without drinking ourselves to death? Grapes or grape juice, peanuts, blueberries, cranberries as well as numerous supplements are also said to contain resveratrol.
But, how much do we need?
LIVESTRONG.COM reported in an article: Resveratrol Recommended Dosage, by Henry Pitot, MD, that “For adults, the recommended dose for resveratrol supplementation is 40mg daily, according to Dr. Johan Auwerx, a resveratrol researcher at the Huntington College of Health Sciences. Preliminary studies reviewed by the Linus Pauling at Institute at Oregon State University have shown that trans-resveratrol is absorbed more efficiently by the body, but more studies are needed to evaluate the bioavailability of these interesting polyphenols in humans.”
The Mayo Clinic reported that while researchers haven’t found resveratrol supplements to be harmful, the actual resveratrol substance in the supplements are not absorbed by the body and, therefore, no use to us.
According to the University of Florida News, one trial is under way at their College of Medicine in the Institute on Aging. It is examining the effect resveratrol may have on physical and cognitive skills on older people.
In conclusion, it looks as if more research needs to done on humans vs. animals. In the meantime, why not do your own study by either drinking a glass of wine a day, eating a handful of grapes or peanuts, or taking a supplement and see if you feel more energetic or start sleeping better? You never know, in the long run, it may be worth it.
Warning:
According to the article on LIVESTRONG.com, “studies are not sure whether Resveratrol is safe for pregnant and nursing women and women with breast cancer. Resveratrol is a natural supplier of estrogen, therefore, should not be taken until further research is completed. Resveratrol may also decrease the therapeutic effects of anticoagulants, such as warfarin, and could increase the risk of bleeding.”
Sources:
So long, sunscreen? Scientists suggest red wine helps prevent sunburn
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20086913-10391704.html
Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089
Resveratrol Studies Confirms Potential Health Boost
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621114155.htm
Resveratrol Recommended Dosage
http:
www.livestrong.com/article/443759-resveratrol-recommended-dosage
UF review of resveratrol studies confirms potential health boost
http://news.ufl.edu/2011/06/21/resveratrol-2
Reviewed August 10, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg R.N.
Edited by Jody Smith