Are you in the habit of drinking wine with dinner? Whether you realize it or not, delighting in that glass of cabernet, pinot or another favorite red wine comes with great health benefits – and it’s not the alcohol talking. If you aren’t sure what exactly makes your vino so virtuous, hear it from an expert.
Naomi Whittel, founder of Reserveage Nutrition, is a red wine aficionado and an authority on resveratrol. Resveratrol is a plant-derived compound known to promote antioxidant activity in the body. You can find this targeted nutrient in the skin of red grapes or in extracts of the plant Polygonum cuspidatum, commonly known as Japanese Knotweed. “This nourishing antioxidant is the heart and soul of our brand,” Whittel says.
What’s Great About Resveratrol?
While white wine offers some health-boosting benefits, red wine is the one that really pulls on your heart strings. And it’s all because of resveratrol, which has been scientifically proven to support the body in a variety of ways. Part of a class of antioxidants, called polyphenols, resveratrol works by protecting cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. Studies show resveratrol’s antioxidant properties may account for its cardiovascular benefits, including helping to maintain healthy cholesterol, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and supporting circulation. “The ongoing studies on resveratrol affirm its remarkable health benefits and provide hope that these natural compounds can help improve the quality of life,” says Whittel. †
How Should I Take Resveratrol?
To get the best benefits from resveratrol, you would have to drink gallons upon gallons of red wine. Therefore, taking a resveratrol supplement would be a wise choice. In this form, polyphenol is concentrated, so you enjoy the benefits without the boozy feeling. Of course, selecting a supplement can be as hard as pairing the perfect red with your steak. So Whittle has a tip for how to choose a resveratrol supplement: “Look for clues about traceability and high-quality ingredient sources. A formula with trans-resveratrol is important, because these are the good, healthy compounds.”
†These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
