Resveratrol Benefits: Everything You Need To Know About What This Antioxidant Can Do For You

Studies have demonstrated resveratrol’s ability to suppress the expression and activity of enzymes tied to inflammatory responses 2that damage tissue throughout the body. Meaning, it might be able to help with chronic inflammation and an overactive inflammatory response, which is the hallmark of autoimmune disease. Chronic low-grade inflammation also contributes to many other illnesses, including heart disease.

Interestingly, resveratrol also has positive effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)5, which is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Researchers have observed that BDNF levels are lower in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and other insulin-related problems.

The mitochondria are the energy centers of the cells, helping to optimize whatever the cellular function of an individual cell may be. Many experts think that when mitochondrial function is enhanced, it will lead to healthier cellular function and a person will experience increased energy levels.

High levels of oxidative stress affect every organ and system in the body and has been linked to everything from Alzheimer's disease, arteriosclerosis, cancer, and heart disease to accelerated aging, asthma, diabetes, and leaky gut syndrome. Oxidative stress is believed to lead to the development of the most prevalent chronic diseases and disorders killing adults today, especially heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. As a strong polyphenol, resveratrol may have therapeutic uses1, meaning it could be used in actual medical treatments in the future to fight free radicals and oxidative stress.

Resveratrol keeps circulation flowing smoothly6, preventing arterial damage and offering protection in the brain from memory loss and conditions including Alzheimer's disease. It may also prevent other disorders, such as stroke, ischemia, and Huntington's disease.

Because it controls the release of pro-inflammatory molecules, resveratrol might benefit those with an autoimmune disease7 or help prevent one from occurring in the first place. It also seems to positively alter gut microbiota and influences stem cells and their ability to divide and multiply, which are both associated with better overall health.

Resveratrol also helps regulate apoptosis, which is a highly important process in the body that destroys old or harmful cells8, and therefore seems to have anti-cancer properties. Studies have found evidence of resveratrol triggering apoptosis of activated T-cells and suppressing the growth of tumors, in addition to acting against cancer.

In animal studies, resveratrol has been shown to fight several kinds of cancer cells9, including gastric, colon, skin, breast, and prostate. Resveratrol may inhibit cancer cell growth, too, by preventing cancer cells from replicating and spreading. It can change the gene expression in cancer cells to inhibit their growth, too.

In a JAMA 10study10, resveratrol (in this case, from red wine) decreased the risk of heart disease and other common health concerns. A 2015 review concluded that high doses of resveratrol supplementation may help reduce systolic blood pressure11—when high, it's a risk factor for heart disease. Resveratrol also helps the body to produce more nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax.

Resveratrol may influence cholesterol levels by reducing the effect of a cholesterol production-related enzyme12. As an antioxidant, resveratrol also may decrease the oxidation of "bad" LDL cholesterol—aka cholesterol that can contribute to fatty buildups in arteries, which increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

However, it's not clear if the compound would have a similar effect in humans. A review of studies exploring this connection found that resveratrol increased the life span of 60 percent of the organisms studied, but the effect was strongest in organisms that were less related to humans, such as worms and fish.

U.K. researchers conducted a study of 22 healthy adults and determined that neurological blood flow was increased following resveratrol consumption. Before that study, Illinois researchers discovered that mice receiving resveratrol supplementation had better memory function and overall increased mental performance.

Arthritis is a common affliction that leads to joint pain and loss of mobility, and plant-based supplements are being studied as a way to treat and prevent joint pain. A 2011 study found that resveratrol, when taken in supplement form, may help protect cartilage from deteriorating. Cartilage breakdown can cause joint pain and is one of the main symptoms of arthritis. In one study, researchers injected resveratrol into the knee joints of rabbits with arthritis and found that these rabbits suffered less damage to their cartilage.

A 2013 paper found that resveratrol has the ability to regulate angiogenesis15—the development of new blood cells—thereby preventing the abnormal growth of blood vessels that are damaging to eyesight.

If the gold standard of antioxidants in face serums was vitamin C, it's now sharing that spotlight with resveratrol. The antioxidant ability of resveratrol is known to be both potent and efficient. In fact, it has been shown to be greater than that of vitamins E and C. One study demonstrated16 that resveratrol was 95 percent efficient at preventing lipid peroxidation, compared to 65 percent for vitamin E and 3 percent for vitamin C. Dermatology researchers have even found that topical resveratrol possesses 17 times more antioxidant potency than idebenone, an expensive and powerful antioxidant drug used in certain anti-wrinkle creams.

Applied topically, resveratrol helps protect the skin's surface and helps rebuff negative environmental influences17. It also has significant skin-calming properties that may help minimize the look of redness.

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