One of the nutritional Silver Lining’s of today’s Hot Grapes ‘N Kale recipe is resveratrol. You’ve heard of it, right? Resveratrol is that key, magical ingredient responsible for the health benefits associated with red wine (by the glass, not gallon!).
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol antioxidant found in a variety of sources including grapes (notably the skin of red grapes), berries, peanuts, dark chocolate, tea, and Japanese knotweed. When consumed, resveratrol binds to proteins and stimulates the production of SIRT1, a serum known to block diseases by speeding up the cell’s energy production. How fabulous is that?
Here are some of the specific Silver Linings of resveratrol:
- Boosts cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of blood clots
- Increases blood flow, important for the brain
- Reduces the risk of strokes
- Contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Protects against obesity and diabetes
- Helps prevent joint disease
- Improves athletic endurance
- May prevent the formation of cataracts
- May reverse build-up of fat in the liver from alcohol abuse
- May prevent or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- May prevent and help eliminate certain types of cancer
Here’s a little interesting tidbit: Trans-resveratrol refers to the purest form of resveratrol, which is white and emits almost no odor. Knotweed is known for containing the highest concentration of “trans-resveratrol.” You may come across the term “resveratrol-99” to describe pure trans-resveratrol and “resveratrol-50” which contains 50% trans-resveratrol. Something to keep in mind is the fact that resveratrol does not provide any health benefits unless it contains trans-resveratrol. So, if you take it as a supplement, be sure to read the label (though you already knew that!).
I can’t drink red wine. Even the smell of it gives me an instant headache. So, I eat my red grapes and take a resveratrol supplement. Happy Resveratrolling!