Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant associated with a wide range of health benefits. This important compound is available in red grapes, berries, peanuts and resveratrol supplements. Animal and laboratory research indicates that this nutrient protects your body from the deleterious effects of free radicals. It also removes oxidants and improves your blood supply.

Resveratrol has exhibited anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. It appears to provide protection from heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Lower doses of resveratrol protect cells from oxidation, but higher doses may prevent various cancers. It also makes certain drug-resistant cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. An Austrian research study suggests that resveratrol can prevent the metastasis of certain cancers.

Resveratrol has numerous beneficial cardiovascular effects. It enhances nitrous oxide levels, promotes vasodilation and inhibits inflammatory enzymes. Nitrous oxide promotes blood flow by sending a signal that relaxes your blood vessels. The increased blood flow improves your heart health. Resveratrol also reduces the stickiness of blood cells. These actions help prevent heart attacks.

Preliminary research demonstrates that resveratrol dietary supplements may be beneficial in protecting the brain from oxidative stress that occurs in the central nervous system. Alzheimer’s disease produces a protein that causes free radical damage. Evidence shows that resveratrol can keep brain cells healthy.

Scientists are investigating the use of resveratrol in preventing obesity. It appears that the compound prevents fat cells from maturing. Resveratrol also stimulates fat cells to absorb glucose and stops molecules from changing into fat.