Almost 20 years ago the health world was rocked when scientists reported that despite their high fat diet, French men
appeared to suffer less heart disease than their counterparts in neighboring countries. We now know that this 'French Paradox' as it became known was not simply
because of the large quantities of red wine they consumed but because of an important ingredient in it - resveratrol grapes
which is found in high concentrations in the skins of red grapes.
Resveratrol Grapes: Know the Facts
In fact, it not only has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health, studies have shown it can block the spread of cancer cells by acting as an
antioxidant and inhibiting the growth of free radicals. Clinical trials are now taking place around the world to discover what other benefits it has to offer.
Some of the most exciting of these studies suggest it can help reduce insulin and glucose levels and that it may even increase longevity. A study in Italy in 2006 found that fish fed with a resveratrol-supplemented diet lived more than half as long again as those fed a normal diet. Not only did they live longer
but they were more active as well and this is a benefit that has been reported from other studies as well.
Resveratrol Grape: The Research
Perhaps the most exciting finding of all, however, comes from a study conducted last year by researchers at the at the Weill Medical College at Cornell University.
They found that daily dietary supplements of resveratrol "significantly" reduced plaque formation in animal brains. Plaque formation is a major cause of Alzheimer's
and several other neurodegenerative diseases. The oral supplement reduced brain plaque in the hypothalamus and striatum by about 90 percent and in the medical cortex
by 48 percent. Researchers believe that oral supplements in humans could help prevent plaque buildup which is associated with ageing and dementia.
Last Updated: August 28, 2010.