Resveratrol is the connection between wine, peanuts, blueberries and chocolate.

These seemingly unrelated foods have more in common than you may think. They all bring a set of health benefits consisting in speeding up the metabolism, helping in weight loss, anti-aging action and anti-cancer properties. This is due to resveratrol.

Resveratrol has become quite popular nowadays thanks to its amazing health benefits. It is believed that the French, despite having the one of the most fat-rich cuisine in the world, have significantly lower levels of cholesterol than most Americans because of their high consumption of resveratrol – rich red wine.

The highest amount of resveratrol can be found in the skin of red grapes and in red wine. Peanuts and peanut butter, mulberries, blueberries, cocoa powder and dark chocolate also contain resveratrol. Along with these sources, there is also the Japanese knotweed with a concentrated amount of resveratrol. This plant is mostly used industrially, for the production of resveratrol supplements.

Here are the main 9 health benefits of resveratrol:

1. Longevity

Resveratrol promotes a longer health span and it is well-known for its anti-aging properties. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles by keeping the skin healthy, fresh and elastic and it is believed to stimulate SiRT1 gene associated with weight loss and slowing down the aging process.

2. Boost your energy level

Resveratrol is great for increased energy and fighting fatigue.

3. Lower blood sugar

Resveratrol reduces utilization of carbohydrates, thus keeping your blood sugar levels stable and at a normal amount.

4. Weight loss

It has been scientifically proven that by speeding up the metabolism, resveratrol is beneficial for losing weight. Studies have shown that people who took resveratrol supplements managed to lose weight quicker and to better manage their weight on the long run.

5. Anti-cancer

Studies have indicated that resveratrol prevents and reduces the development of tumors, which is beneficial in the fight against cancer. Resveratrol is increasingly becoming a more common breast cancer remedy due to its results.

6. Heart Disease

Resveratrol is also beneficial to protection against heart disease by reducing cholesterol.

7. Anti inflammatory

This natural compound also has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and swelling.

8. Antioxidants

Resveratrol is very rich in antioxidants which are extremely beneficial to your health. They prevent damage to your cells, strengthen the cardiovascular system and prevent diseases.

9. Reproductive system

Finally, resveratrol is also very beneficial for the reproductive system of both men and women. As such, it is no wonder that red wine and dark chocolate (the second richest source of resveratrol after red wine) have reputations of being aphrodisiacs.

A few things to keep in mind:
– Resveratrol is good, resveratrol is great, alcohol is not.
– Dark chocolate is the second richest resveratrol source after red wine.
– Side effects of resveratrol are few and generally related to estrogen and blood thinning.
– Consult your doctor first before taking any resveratrol supplements.