Resveratrol

Resveratrol is now inevitably linked with red wine because of all the publicity the wine has gotten in recent years. It is true that red wine does contain a huge amount of resveratrol. This is because red wine is made from the skin of grapes and is fermented for a longer time than white wine. Resveratrol has been found to have anti oxidant and anti inflammatory properties and may help in lessening the risks of cardiovascular ailments and cancer.
However, to answer the question “what’s a good source of resveratrol except wine,” the quick answer would be grapes. There have been studies made that show red and purple grapes have a higher concentration of resveratrol than other varieties.

Other fruit that contain resveratrol in smaller concentrations include berries. Cranberries and blueberries have more than the other varieties. Peanuts also contain resveratrol. Keep in mind though that once these fruits are heated, the amount of resveratrol it contains drastically drops.

Resveratrol is also found in over 70 species of flora. It has been found in moderate amounts in eucalyptus, spruce, mulberries and lilies. Because it is a natural protector of plants from the changing climate, harmful microbes, and attacking insects, it is not unusual to find traces of it in many plants. However, unlike other beneficial substances such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, the reservoir of resveratrol in our food supply is not as widespread.

You can also get resveratrol from strawberries but the highest concentration was in the seeds and not in the pulp. Nevertheless, keep in mind that all fruits have a tendency to change characteristics depending on how they are grown. The location, the weather, the climate, and the season the fruit was harvested all play a factor in the resveratrol they contain. Your best bet would be to make sure that the fruit you buy was organically grown, not tampered by man-made pest sprays.

The major problem with all of these sources of resveratrol in food is that they may not contain enough to be able to show maximum benefits. People have been drinking wine and eating peanuts and berries, and have not shown the impressive improvements that some researchers believe may be possible with a higher resveratrol dosage.

What’s the best source of resveratrol except wine and grapes? Resveratrol supplements are a great way to get this beneficial compound; most of these supplements have reportedly been derived from the Japanese knotweed (Polygonum Cuspidatum), an herbaceous perennial plant found in Japan, China and Korea. Some companies lay false claims on the amount of resveratrol their product contains, so it is always a good idea to do your homework in order to find the best resveratrol pill on the market.

One of the most trustworthy resveratrol manufacturers is RevGenetics. They have an independent lab test the quality of each batch, so you can be confident it will always be high quality. Their Nitro 250 99% pure trans-resveratrol capsules are micronized to provide optimal bioavailability. This has shown to improve absorption by 400-500%, when compared to non-micronized resveratrol supplements. For my money, there is not better source of resveratrol than RevGenetic’s Nitro 250 Resveratrol Capsules.

Apart from that, you might also want to consult with your physician before buying into resveratrol food supplement craze. If you are already taking coagulants for instance, the blood thinning component of resveratrol may cause an adverse reaction.