Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes and, like most polyphenols, it has antioxidant properties. Recent research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of action of resveratrol to demonstrate its effects on some forms of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and its relation to eye health.
Synthesis of resveratrol
Resveratrol is fat-soluble and occurs in nature in “trans” and “cis-stereoisomer” forms. Trans-resveratrol is more biologically active than its Cis-isoform and is more effective in disease prevention.
Resveratrol is synthesized in plants, usually in response to stress, injury or fungal infection, mechanical damage, UV radiation, and climate or environmental changes.
Functions and Health
Resveratrol is both a free radical destroyer and a powerful antioxidant. It is believed to exert its protective functions by being involved in the regulation of nitric oxide production. Research has shown that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-aging properties.
Trans-resveratrol is associated with the "French paradox" - the French's low coronary heart disease mortality rates, despite the high consumption of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids in the diet. As it is known, red wine is consumed relatively much in the diet in France, and the resveratrol contained in it inhibits platelet aggregation, is a strong inhibitor of the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and plays a key role in the regulation of platelet aggregation in atherosclerosis.
Due to its antioxidant properties, resveratrol has the potential to provide protection against certain types of cancer. Recent studies have shown that resveratrol may have potential neuroprotective effects and the ability to delay the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes.
Several studies have also shown resveratrol to be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Resveratrol and eye health
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the use of resveratrol has been linked to the prevention of various eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. The development of AMD and other retinal diseases is linked to oxidative stress in the retinal pigment epithelium, the cell layer responsible for the structure and health of the retina.
Oxidative damage acts as a key factor and trigger for the progression of AMD and age-related cataracts. The clear lens of the eye is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage because the lens fiber cells do not regenerate and must last a lifetime. Damage to these cells causes the protein to break down, eventually leading to age-related cataracts.
Trans-resveratrol prevents damage to the retina from exposure to light, prevents abnormal growth of eye blood vessels, prevents dysfunction, damage and cell death in the eye, it can also be effective in improving eye blood vessel microcirculation.
Resveratrol has a protective effect in AMD patients due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic properties.
Recommended daily dose
Currently, there are no guidelines or recommendations for the recommended daily intake of resveratrol for the general population.
Studies have shown that a daily dose of over 100 mg improves cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of neurodegenerative disorders and eye diseases. However, in-depth studies have shown a more pronounced benefit with daily doses of 250 mg and 500 mg.
For health benefits (cardiovascular health, neurodegenerative disorders and eye diseases) - initially studies showed a daily dose of 100 mg, more recent studies show a greater benefit with 250 mg and 500 mg of resveratrol per day.
Best food sources of resveratrol
Trans-resveratrol is mainly found in grapes and products derived from grapes, such as wine or grape juice. Grape skin is the main source of resveratrol, the content of which varies according to geographical location, origin of fungal infection and exposure.
In addition to grapes and red wine, other foods such as blueberries, cranberries, peanuts and peanut butter, dark chocolate and cocoa powder are valuable sources of trans-resveratrol.
Red wines contain significantly more trans-resveratrol than white wine.
The best way to increase your daily intake of resveratrol is to include red grapes (with skin) and blueberries in your diet. A glass of red wine can also be a good source of resveratrol, but the benefits and risks should be weighed against alcohol consumption.
The antioxidant properties of trans-resveratrol make it sensitive to heat and air. Like other fat-soluble antioxidants, trans-resveratrol in food degrades over time. Losses can be reduced by storing food in sealed containers and protecting it from exposure to light, which is why red wines are also stored in dark glass bottles.
There are potentially great health benefits to dietary resveratrol, but its daily dietary sources are few and red wine is associated with alcohol risks. Dietary supplements with resveratrol can be an excellent solution for improving health.