some good info from "
The Planet" articles section......
Resveratrol Information: Uses and Benefits
Resveratrol was first isolated in 1940 from the roots of the white hellebore plant. It has since been found in various plants, including grapes, berries, Hy Zhang root, Giant Knotweed, and peanuts in varying amounts.
Resveratrol is a chemical that is classified under a group of compounds known as phytoalexins. These compounds are produced by plants that have been stressed or are under attack by bacteria and fungus, acting as “antibiotics” and helping to fight against the attacking organism. The type of plant, region, and severity of attack, determines how much Resveratrol is produced.
Resveratrol first came under the public microscope when scientists started studying the French paradox. The French paradox dealt with questions as to why heart disease, high cholesterol, and subsequent related health problems and deaths were so low among the French. The paradox lies in the fact that the French culture has a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol; which is consumed daily in a course style manner. The fact that a glass of wine accompanied most meals did not elude researchers, so they focused on the many phytonutrients that are found in wine. The scrutiny on this paradox culminated in a 2006 study that found mice lived longer when given a Resveratrol supplement. Interest in Resveratrol has risen immensely in the past few years and with the multitude of benefits, one can see why.
Some of the benefits of Resveratrol may include:
Enhances eyesight and color perception
Decreases blood pressure
Decreases cholesterol
May normalize estrogen levels
May normalize prolactin levels
Induces biological changes that mimics a calorie restricted environment
Enhances cell wall integrity and promotes vessel elasticity and overall cardiovascular health
Fantastic antioxidant with high ORAC levels
Increases cardiovascular endurance and efficiency
Glucose disposal
Anti-inflammatory
Possible anti-cancer activity
May be a neuro-protectant
May act as a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators)
Anti-aging
May stimulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, inducing a positive testosterone response, without inducing adverse effects.
Its anti-aging potential seems to come from Resveratrol’s activating enzymes, which prolongs the time cells have to repair broken DNA. Also related, its calorie restricting ability seems to be involved with the activation of the SIRT1 enzyme which has a higher level in the blood stream when the body is in a caloric deficit (dieting). When this enzyme is secreted in abundance in lab rats: decreased cholesterol, increased mitochondria, lower insulin levels, and low blood sugar have been noted.
Some studies have shown the compound can extend the lifespan of mice by around 15%, and fruit flies over 90%. Resveratrol seems to boost muscle endurance by increasing the amount and production of the “powerhouse” of muscle cells, the mitochondria. Mitochondrion produces Adenosine-Tri-Phosphate, which fuels the first few seconds of any movement, as well as acting as fuel for many bodily processes. For bodybuilders and health enthusiasts this basically means the more of these powerhouses you have working hard for you, the harder you can work out!
The fact that Resveratrol has well documented anti estrogen effects means it is a great choice for an all natural testosterone booster such as the NutraPlanet TNT Stack™, as well as an ideal counterpart to PCT where it can also be useful to inhibit prolactin in addition to preventing a rebound in estrogen. The blood pressure and cholesterol lowering effects can also be of help if one is taking hormones or anything that may cause these to rise. If you are dieting, trying to lose a few pounds, or just trying to stay lean, the glucose disposal and caloric deficit mimicking effects make this a no-brainer to use in your daily supplement arsenal.
With the myriad of health benefits: cosmetic, external, and internal, Resveratrol should be in the arsenal of anyone interested in Hardcore Health!