April 23, 2009

Resveratrol Supplements To Reduce The Effects Of Aging

A compound which occurs naturally in many plants, Resveratrol is best known as the antioxidant found in red grapes and red wine which has a host of beneficial effects for human health. Other important sources of the compound include Japanese knotweed. Reseveratrol is celebrated for its health benefits, which are known to include improved respiratory health and circulatory function, regulating blood sugar levels, some anti-aging properties and the possibility to help slow the growth of cancer cells!

A series of studies on the effects of Resveratrol in slowing the aging process were conducted using an especially short-lived species of fish. The fish which were given Resveratrol had life spans which were 56% longer than those of the control group. The researchers think that the cumulative effect of Resveratrol in the system over time, since older fish who had received the compound for a longer duration seemed to derive more benefit from Resveratrol than did younger fish. The study seems to indicate that Resevratrol can have a slowing effect on the physical aging process.

One of the best sources of natural Resveratrol is red grapes and red wine. While found in some other fruits (including blueberries, cranberries and others), grapes contain a concentration of Resveratrol which is ten times that of any other fruit.

Resveratrol has gained a lot of media exposure thanks to the accolade given to the compound by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Oprah Winfrey on her program. This praise has fostered a great deal in the potential of Resveratrol supplements to provide health benefits. While these supplements were once generally derived from grape seeds and skins but are now usually made with an extract from the root of the Japanese knotwood plant.

Reseveratrol seems to be helpful in treating memory problems as well as regulating estrogen levels; but it is its potential to reduce the effects of aging which make it popular. It is through regulating estrogen that it produces some of these effects. There seems to be a correlation between the slowing of estrogen production following menopause and other physical effects of aging in women; and Resveratrol increases estrogen levels in these women, which also has the benefit of making them look and feel younger.

The primary problem with Resveratrol seems to be the delivery and the lifespan while in the system is fairly short, as far as raising levels for any length of time. This has caused some questions over the true results and benefits that are possible in the amounts that are necessary to raise levels. In some results, 250 mg pills raised the levels, but were barely found 4 hours later in the bloodstream. Science has worked to perfect the delivery system to make it more effective.

Japanese knotwood is a member of Polygonaceae family of plants, and it is an invasive weed plant in several countries. On Resveratrol supplements, it may be listed by its scientific names, fallopian japonica, polygonum cuspidatum and reynoutria japonica. Huzhang is a Chinese name that is used and HuZhang root extract has been used in Chinese culture for years as a medical remedy. It is similar in appearance to bamboo, and has been nicknamed Japanese bamboo.

In Resveratrol supplements, the Japanese knotwood has become known for its strong concentrations in the root of the plant and the year round growth and hardiness of it has made it excellent for a large supplement source. Oprah and Dr. Oz are endorsing it as an anti-aging supplement to improve your health and make you feel and look younger.

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