Resveratrol is an essential plant compound that usually works as an antioxidant. The main sources of resveratrol are peanuts, red wine, grapes, and some berries.
Regarding trans-resveratrol, it’s a specific form of resveratrol found in the same sources, particularly in the skin of red grapes. It is often highlighted for its potential health benefits.
Some people believe trans-resveratrol can contribute to the so-called “French Paradox. ” The “French Paradox” is whereby the consumption of red wine is associated with a relatively low incidence of heart disease despite a diet high in saturated fats.
Here are five potential health benefits of trans-resveratrol:
1. Can Help In Lowering Blood Pressure
Usually, the systolic blood pressure increases as arteries stiffen and the individual’s age rises. When it’s high, one is more prone to heart disease like myocardial infarction and even heart failure.
The trans-resveratrol benefits of lowering blood pressure are supported by the 2015 research review, which showed that consuming trans-resveratrol in high doses can help reduce pressure intensity exerted on the arterial walls.
Given the excellent antioxidant properties of trans-resveratrol, it’s a promising supplement for lowering systolic blood pressure. It does so also by releasing nitric oxide that makes the blood vessels relax.
2. Protects the Cognitive Functions
The brain is the central command of the human body that coordinates myriads of activities ranging from the most basic and automatic functions to complex cognitive processes. Unfortunately, it tends to weaken and get slow when it lacks supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, vitamin D, Ginkgo Biloba, phosphatidylserine, caffeine, turmeric (curcumin), L-Theanine, and nootropics.
Studies have shown that trans-resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features. As a result, it can be used to slow down the age-related decline of cognitive functions.
Trans-resveratrol typically interferes with beta-amyloids, which are the crucial hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the same plant compound can still stimulate a chain of events, which helps in preventing damage to the brain cells.
3. Helps Increase Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin is a vital hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It serves various functions which include:
- Glucose uptake
- Blood sugar balance
- Storage of excess glucose
- Fat storage inhibition
- Protein synthesis
- Appetite regulation
- Cellular growth and repair
- Inhibition of gluconeogenesis
For people with diabetes, the administration of trans-resveratrol is vital because it helps increase glucose uptake and prevent diabetes complications.
To help in keeping low blood sugar levels, trans-resveratrol activates the AMPK, which is a vital protein that plays a key role in glucose metabolism. Still, it works by stopping a group of enzymes from converting glucose to sorbitol, which is an alcoholic sugar.
Too much sorbitol for people with diabetes is detrimental because it creates cell-damaging oxidative effects.
4. It Can Ease Joint Pain
The CDC reports that over 58.5 million people, or 24% of adults in the United States, struggle with joint pains due to arthritis. Other conditions that can cause joint pain include lulus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. If not managed properly, joint pain can lead to ork disability with increased costs of medical care.
Over the years, scientists have studied thousands of plant compounds and found some of them to be quite effective in preventing and treating joint pain. Among them is the trans-resveratrol.
When trans-resveratrol is taken as a supplement, it slows down the deterioration of joint cartilage. Cartilage breakdown is the number one sign of arthritis, and it can cause joint pain due to direct irritation of the nearby nerves.
According to a study where resveratrol was injected into the joints of a rabbit with arthritis, it was noted that the same rabbits ended up suffering minimal cartilage damage. Other studies have shown that the use of the resveratrol compound is vital in reducing inflammation, which can cause joint damage.
5. Helps Suppress the Cancer Cells
Studies on resveratrol’s potential to prevent and cure cancer have been conducted, particularly on animals and in test tubes. The outcomes, though, have been uneven. They still demonstrate that trans-resveratrol can combat several types of cancer cells, such as stomach, colon, skin, breast, and prostate cancers.
Resveratrol can potentially impede the growth of cancer cells through the following mechanisms:
- Limit the ability of cancer cells to grow and multiply by hindering their proliferation and spreading.
- Alter gene expression, which might stop the development of cancer cells.
- Stop hormone-dependent malignancies from spreading by interfering with the expression of certain hormones.
What is The Right Dose of Trans-resveratrol?
Resveratrol dosage recommendations typically range from 250 to 600 mg per day. Although higher amounts have been used without causing any significant side effects, ingesting more than 1g daily is linked to moderate nausea, stomach discomfort, and gastrointestinal distress.
Finally, it should be noted that there has been some evidence indicating that resveratrol and the prescription medication Coumadin may interact. As a result, people on blood thinners should see a doctor before using resveratrol supplements.
Conclusion
There’s a solid reason why resveratrol is becoming more and more popular. For its users, trans-resveratrol enhances performance and promotes muscular growth while protecting the overall well-being of your body, mind, and heart.
Further study is still required to determine the optimal dosage. Still, one thing is certain: Resveratrol is a potent multipurpose vitamin that can help almost any individual who wants to get healthier and perform better.
