These parts of the grape are included in the fermentation of red wine, hence its particularly high concentration of resveratrol 5 , 7. However, much of the research on resveratrol has been done in animals and test tubes using high amounts of the compound 5 , 8.

Of the limited research in humans, most has focused on supplemental forms of the compound, in concentrations higher than those you could get through food 5. Resveratrol is an antioxidant-like compound found in red wine, berries and peanuts. Much of the human research has used supplements that contain high levels of resveratrol.

Because of its antioxidant properties, resveratrol could be a promising supplement for lowering blood pressure 9. A review concluded that high doses may help reduce the pressure exerted on artery walls when the heart beats 3. That type of pressure is called systolic blood pressure, and appears as the upper number in blood pressure readings.

Systolic blood pressure typically goes up with age, as arteries stiffen. Resveratrol may accomplish this blood-pressure-lowering effect by helping to produce more nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax 10 , However, the authors of that study say more research is needed before specific recommendations can be made about the best dose of resveratrol to maximize blood pressure benefits.

Resveratrol supplements may help lower blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide. Several studies in animals have suggested that resveratrol supplements may change blood fats in a healthy way 12 , A study fed mice a high-protein, high-polyunsaturated fat diet and also gave them resveratrol supplements.

Resveratrol seems to influence cholesterol levels by reducing the effect of an enzyme that controls cholesterol production LDL oxidation contributes to plaque buildup in artery walls 9 , In one study, participants were given grape extract that had been boosted with extra resveratrol.

After six months of treatment, their LDL had gone down by 4. Resveratrol supplements may benefit blood fats in animals.

As an antioxidant, they may also decrease LDL cholesterol odixation. It works to achieve this in the same way as calorie restriction, which has shown promise in lengthening lifespans by changing how genes express themselves 18 , Resveratrol supplements have lengthened lifespan in animal studies.

Several studies have suggested that drinking red wine can help slow down age-related cognitive decline 21 , 22 , 23 , Additionally, the compound may set off a chain of events that protects brain cells from damage While this research is intriguing, scientists still have questions about how well the human body is able to make use of supplemental resveratrol, which limits its immediate use as a supplement to protect the brain 1 , 2.

A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, resveratrol shows promise in protecting brain cells from damage. These benefits include increasing insulin sensitivity and preventing complications from diabetes 26 , 27 , 28 , One explanation for how resveratrol works is that it may stop a certain enzyme from turning glucose into sorbitol, a sugar alcohol.

When too much sorbitol builds up in people with diabetes, it can create cell-damaging oxidative stress 30 , Here are a few more benefits resveratrol may have for people with diabetes 28 :. Researchers say the compound could be used to treat diabetes and its complications in the future, but more research is needed.

Resveratrol has helped mice develop better insulin sensitivity and fight complications of diabetes. In the future, humans with diabetes might also benefit from resveratrol therapy.

Arthritis is a common affliction that leads to joint pain and loss of mobility Plant-based supplements are being studied as a way to treat and prevent joint pain. When taken as a supplement, resveratrol may help protect cartilage from deteriorating 33 , Cartilage breakdown can cause joint pain and is one of the main symptoms of arthritis One study injected resveratrol into the knee joints of rabbits with arthritis and found that these rabbits suffered less damage to their cartilage Other research in test tubes and animals has suggested that the compound has potential to reduce inflammation and prevent damage to joints 33 , 35 , 36 , Resveratrol has been studied, especially in test tubes, for its ability to prevent and treat cancer.

However, results have been mixed 30 , 38 , In animal and test-tube studies, it has been shown to fight several kinds of cancer cells, including gastric, colon, skin, breast and prostate 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , However, since the studies so far have been carried out in test tubes and animals, much more research is needed to see if and how this compound might be used for human cancer therapy.

No major risks have been revealed in studies that have used resveratrol supplements. Healthy people seem to tolerate them well And there are some cautions, especially regarding how resveratrol could interact with other medications. Resveratrol also blocks some enzymes that help clear certain compounds from the body.

That means some medications could build up to unsafe levels. These include certain blood pressure medications, anxiety meds and immunosuppressants If you currently use medications, then you may want to check with a doctor before trying resveratrol.

However, researchers are studying ways of making resveratrol easier for the body to use 6 , However, clear dosage guidance is still lacking. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Researchers say the antioxidant found in red wine and berries may help improve cardiovascular health for diabetes patients. Yuzu is a particularly sour citrus fruit from Asia.

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Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Tangney CC, et al. Cardiovascular benefits and risks of moderate alcohol consumption.

Accessed June 15, Mukamal KJ. Overview of the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption. Libby P, et al. Cardiomyopathies induced by drugs or toxins. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Elsevier; Rethinking drinking: Alcohol and your health. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Scientific Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

Alcoholic beverages. Is drinking alcohol part of a healthy lifestyle? American Heart Association. Drinking red wine for heart health? Read this before you toast. Krittanawong C, et al. Alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health. The American Journal of Medicine.

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