Resveratrol Weight Control

Resveratrol has been known as an anti-aging supplement for some time now but did you know that those same experiments that brought this marvellous substance to our attention also showed resveratrol to be helpful in the fight against weight gain?

Resveratrol has been known to counteract weight gain in mice fed a high fat diet since 2006. In a famous experiment mice were fed a diet containing much more fat than the control group but some of them were also given resveratrol supplements. The mice also given the resveratrol were found to be no more likely to die than those on the standard diet. Their insulin and glucose levels were in the normal range but their cholestrol levels were higher.

It is worth remembering that extensive testing on humans is still to be carried out but given the promising animal experiments and the phenomenon known as the ‘French Paradox’, it is not surprising there has been such interest in resveratrol’s weight loss promise. (The ‘French Paradox’ refers to the apparent ability of some Mediterranean people to be able to consume diets high in fats yet not suffer the usual bad effects of such a diet).

So what is this marvellous stuff resveratrol? It’s a substance produced by some plants when they are under threat of fungal or bacterial infection. It is found in several plants including blueberries and grapes, where it is most abundant in the grape skins. Its presence in grape skins means you’ll drink some when you have some red wine though the amount can vary considerably depending on the grape variety and where it was grown.

It is also known to have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties and also tends to boost metabolism so it is hardly surprising resveratrol has been of such interest in the health field. Well publicised attention from some tv presenters has added to this interest and demand.

While commonly marketed with pictures of red wine on the pack, the resveratrol we get usually comes from Japanese Knotweed as this is the most economical way to extract it. Whatever its plant origin, the resveratrol marketed as a supplement also varies in its quality, dosage and effectiveness so it is important to buy from a reputable supplier.

As resveratrol is a fairly fragile substance that breaks down easily, a variety of techniques are used to ensure enough of it actually reaches the bloodstream and is not broken down by the digestive system too early. This again means that you should choose your supplier carefully to avoid disappointment.

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