Resveratrol, the “T-Cells” of Plants, in Red Wine

Red Wine

Nutrient Family:

Phytonutrient/Phytochemical

> Sub Group: Flavonoids

Resveratrol is a phytoalexins produced by plants in response to injury or pathogens (bacteria, fungi) attacks.

Side Note:

Phytoalexins are protective substances produced by the plants in response to injury or attacks by pathogens.
T-cells are immunity defense cells found in our body; roughly the equivalent of
phytoalexins in plants.

Resveratrol also has xeno factor properties.

Side Note: Xeno factors are chemicals released by plants for survival in harsh conditions, triggering survival genes to help fight infections and other conditions that may surface under these harsh conditions.

Resveratrol's Workings

Fat or Water Soluble Antioxidant:

Fat Soluble

Other functions besides being an antioxidant, required for:

Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial

Where Is Resveratrol Found Naturally?

Found in plants.

Examples of food sources:

Skin of Red Grapes
Roots of Japanese Knotweed
Red wine
Green tea
Grape juice
Dark chocolate
Apples
Spruce
Eucalyptus tree
Grapes
Peanuts
Some berries

Studies have shown that:

organically grown plants appear to have higher levels of Resveratrol.
Resveratrol taken orally has low bioavailability (presence in the body) due to that it is quickly metabolized and eliminated by the body.
Resveratrol in wine, drank with consumption of food, appears to have higher bioavailability – hence, appear to be able to be utilized by the body more. (Here is a reason to drink wine ... not that any wine drinkers will need a reason)

Health Benefits of Resveratrol

Examples of the health benefits of Resveratrol:

Anti-inflammatory
Reduce risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases
Inhibit proliferation of cancer cells
Anti-aging
Supports longevity

Possible Interactions

Recommended that patients who has estrogen-sensitive cancers (breast/uterus/ovarian cancers) should avoid Resveratrol
May increase effects of blood thinners or anticoagulants

0 Increase risks of bleeding