A decade’s worth of scientific studies have pointed to red wine as a contributor to good health. Red wine in moderate amounts can help the heart stay healthy over the long-term. The paradoxical situation of the French having a high-fat diet yet having a low instance of heart disease has also been theorized to be caused by their high-consumption of red wine.
One of the reasons for the claims is resveratrol, a compound found in wine. Tests have shown it to be present in high concentrations in grape skins, which are part of the fermentation process for red wine. This compound may be responsible for the positive effects that red wine has on cardiovascular health.
Scientists, intrigued by this prospect, have made a number of tests on extracted resveratrol – separate from the other components of wine – and the results have been promising! Harvard University-conducted tests, on the other hand, showed us that resveratrol has the potential to expand the lifespan by up to 30%, even reducing the risk of death caused by a high-fat diet. Independent lab studies in Spain reported that it may even prevent certain types of cancers. Further research indicates that resveratrol might also trigger genes which boost the metabolism and improve endurance and tissue maintenance.
Currently, more studies in different parts of the globe are being conducted to confirm the initial results as well as to discover other potential benefits. What is conclusive is that while resveratrol is present in red wine, several servings of the drink are not enough to give us the amount of resveratrol needed in order for us to see its positive side effects.
How then can we achieve the benefits seen in tests? The answer is in taking resveratrol in supplement form. Aside from the higher concentrations of the substance packed into one capsule or powdered drink, there is the added convenience of taking it anytime of the day and bringing it with you everywhere you go. Fortunately, resveratrol supplements are now widely available and easily purchased at your favorite neighborhood drugstore or online health shops.
On a humorous note, one need not go drunk on bottles and bottles of red wine to get your daily dose of resveratrol. Instead, see that bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon as the occasional supplement to your path to a healthier and happier life. Cheers!