A lot has been said about Resveratrol these days. This molecule, which is found in the skins of grapes and in red wine, seems to be the reason why fewer Europeans have heart troubles—they almost always drink a glass of red wine a day with meals, something rarely done in other areas.
Resveratrol has a number of great benefits, but there are some people who simply can't drink red wine. For those, Resveratrol supplements have been created and, lately, seem to be popping up everywhere. But do they really work, and who is this Dr. Oz that everyone seems to quote?
Who is Dr. Oz and what's His Connection to Resveratrol?
Dr. Oz is a surgeon and one of the main nutritional guests who appear on the Oprah Winfrey show from time to time. Oprah listens to his opinions and almost always follows his recommendations. Dr. Oz, a huge believer in alternative and organic medicine, will have his own television show starting in 2009. One of the things he has repeatedly recommended to everyone is a Resveratrol nutritional supplement.
The Benefits of Resveratrol
Resveratrol still requires more study, but some early scientific examinations have shown that it can act like an anti-inflammatory, may help reduce diseases and caners, functions like an antioxidant, and can even help lower cholesterol and make you look a bit younger. Some of the claims made by those who sell Resveratrol products may be a bit exaggerated. Dr. Oz has said Resveratrol, while a great supplement, still requires some research before we really know everything it is capable of. However, it certainly has beneficial properties and very few, if any, side effects.
FDA and Other Agencies' Approval
Dr. Oz does note that the U.S. Federal Drug Administration and other medical agencies have not given Resveratrol their approval, nor do they regulate supplements. This doesn't mean the supplements are dangerous or harmful, simply that no supplements have been regulated yet.
Dr. Oz's Disclaimer
It should be noted that Dr. Oz, Oprah Winfrey, and their respected companies and affiliates do not endorse any specific Resveratrol product or supplement. If you see any website claiming they do, be aware it may not be a legitimate product or site.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a way of looking a bit younger and staying healthy, Dr. Oz's recommendation seems quite sound. There is support that Resveratrol does provide many of the benefits listed above. The benefits of red wine have, after all, been extensively studied, and Resveratrol is at the heart of what makes red wine so healthy. It certainly can't hurt to add a Resveratrol supplement to your diet, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
FAQ
Is Resveratrol Harmful in Any Way? No, Resveratrol has no harmful side effects. While it is found in red wine, it has no alcoholic properties.
Where Can I Find Resveratrol Supplements? Resveratrol supplements can be found online and at many health and drug stores.
Does Dr. Oz Have a Favorite Resveratrol Supplement? No. Dr. Oz does not endorse any specific brand name or product.
Where Can I Find Naturally Occurring Resveratrol? Resveratrol can be found in grape seeds, red wine, grape juice, peanuts, and the roots of the Japanese knotweed herb. However, the amounts of Resveratrol in these different sources varies.
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