Resveratrol Antioxidants and Red Wine - Sorting Out The Confusion

Red wines are known to contain high concentrations of resveratrol, a powerful biological antioxidant. Why are biological antioxidants important?

Oxidation is a type of chemical reaction in which electrons are made available for interaction with surrounding molecules. Consider the rusting of iron. As the surface of iron is exposed to air, water or some other agent that causes a reaction, the iron changes its molecular nature and forms rust. The original iron atom is in the rust. However, the iron atom has transformed from an iron crystal matrix into a more random and weaker rust compound.

Oxidation takes place throughout the human body and is essential to our existence. The case has been made that too rapid or too much oxidation can lead to pathologic conditions in the cells. By taking antioxidants, the speed and extent of the oxidation can be altered in a positive way.

The French people consume a diet high in fats. Unlike other cultures, the French do not suffer the cardiovascular consequences that would be expected to accompany a high fat diet. There seems to be a protection in effect in the typical French diet. Many people now believe that this protection is due to the presence of an antioxidant in the red wine that the French consume with their meals.

Animal studies have shown that resveratrol can prolong life by delaying the aging process. Researchers believe that the aging process is in large part a consequence of biological oxidation.

While people may be directed to consume more red wine, it is currently thought that the individual would have to consume a high daily volume of red wine to enjoy the protection of resveratrol. As a result, many people who wish to have the protection of resveratrol take supplements in order to ingest an adequate amount.

Some people raise the issue of whether or not this red wine antioxidant is safe with regards to side effects. To date, there are no reported cases of resveratrol toxicity. It should be pointed out that red wine has significant calories and alcohol. Both are avoided with this antioxidant.

Antioxidants don't cure diseases. They alter the velocity and degree of the oxidative processes occurring in the body. Antioxidants are not interchangeable. They are enzyme specific and thus their effect is specific. As more people become aware of the many benefits and research that supports the use of resveratrol, it grows in popularity.

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