Little Known Supplement Series - Resveratrol

Resveratrol – A Potent Antioxidant and Weight Loss Agent

If you have never heard about this wonder nutrient then it’s time you did.
Remember, Antioxidants protect the body from the harmful effects of by-products, known as free radicals, made when the body changes oxygen and food into energy. Think of free radical as the pinball in a pinball machine; when in motion, it can hit everything and anything in its path, but unlike the pinball, free radicals can cause irreversible damage over time. This is where antioxidants come into play. Anti (meaning against) oxidants serve to “deactivate” free radicals.

Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that is commonly found in the skin of red grapes, peanuts (especially boiled peanuts) cocoa, blueberries, raspberries and mulberries (one of the richest sources). As a health-protecting antioxidant, Resveratrol can help reduce the risk of blood clots, reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol, prevent damage to blood vessels in your heart, help maintain a healthy blood pressure, reduce blood glucose levels, suppress inflammation and protect the mitochondria (energy factory of the cell). Resveratrol also plays a key role in anti-aging skin care because it thwarts the free radical damage, making skin smooth and soft. Recent studies have also shown Resveratrol’s ability to favorably regulate factors connected to the onset of heart disease, cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s and diabetes – the 5 leading causes of death.

Resveratrol also has an amazing effect when losing weight. It is believed that it works as an appetite suppressant because of the high content of antioxidants in it that speeds up metabolism thereby causing more calories to burn. Remember, changing your eating habits along with regular exercise will help you shed those extra pounds. Resveratrol can, however, help support your weight loss endeavor. Pair Resveratrol with a Green Tea supplement and you’ve got a potent one-two punch combination for fighting the bulge!

Resveratrol makes a tremendous impact on your whole body, making it stronger and healthier. There are low, medium and high dosage levels. A low dosage is usually about 100mg to 500mg per day and can safely be taken by most healthy people. A medium dosage is about 500mg to 1500mg and anything over 1500mg per day is considered high. The dosage you should follow depends on your body’s current condition as Resveratrol affects each person differently. Therefore, it is important that you consult a doctor/your physician before deciding to take Resveratrol supplements.

This is just some information to help you. If you want more information on Resveratrol or have any questions, be sure to ask one of the Certified Nutrition Specialists the next time you stop by 4X Nutrition.

-Missy Taylor