The supplement market offers a plethora of resveratrol products for seniors, all of which promise anti-aging effects and other health benefits. The old adage says, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Does that hold true for resveratrol?
Studies on Resveratrol
Any supplement that promises to slow the effects of aging is attractive to those who feel the hands of time laying claim to their health a little at a time. When it comes to resveratrol, statements related to the anti-aging effects are based on several experiments that point to resveratrol counteracting the effects of aging in animals. Today this supplement remains the focus of a number of studies. While it hasn't been shown to increase the life span of mice, other benefits reported in mice and rats include:
- Anti-cancer properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Lowers blood sugar
- Positive cardiovascular effects
While these are all positive results, studies conducted over the years offer conflicting results and as yet, these benefits have not been duplicated in humans.
Resveratrol and Red Wine
Along with resveratrol supplements, resveratrol found in red wine has also been a matter of interest for its health benefits. These include lowering bad cholesterol, preventing blood clots and promoting healthy blood vessels. However, these claims are also based on animal research. Mayo Clinic reports that results on the benefits of resveratrol in red wine are mixed, and that it may actually be the alcohol and antioxidants found in red wine that are responsible for lower cholesterol or improved heart health.
Health Benefits Associated with Resveratrol Products for Seniors
When it comes to marketing, the most popular benefit associated with resveratrol products for seniors is anti-aging. However, this is a product with a list of possible benefits attractive to the senior population. They include benefits such as:
- Better heart health
- Better prostrate health
- Natural weight loss
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy
- Improved muscle health
- Improved kidney health
- Improved brain health
When you see a list of benefits like this, who wouldn't want to take resveratrol? The thing to keep in mind is that these benefits have never been proven in humans. The anti-aging benefits associated with resveratrol are based on the fact that it has favorably increased the lifespan of worms, fruit flies, yeast, fish and mice. It will take further study to find out if it offers the same benefits to humans.
Foods that Contain Resveratrol
When you take resveratrol supplements, resveratrol breaks down in the digestion process and most of it doesn't make it into bloodstream. To avoid this problem, instead of taking a supplement, you may want to consider adding foods that contain resveratrol to your diet. These include:
- Peanuts (raw or boiled)
- Blueberries (raw with skins)
- Cranberries (raw with skins)
- Red or purple grapes (raw with skins)
- Grape juice
- Cacao
- Dark chocolate
Lozenges
If you do decide to go the route of supplementation, one of the best options to consider is to buy resveratrol lozenges. They are designed to dissolve in the mouth, which allows most of the resveratrol to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the mouth's lining instead of being lost in the digestive process.
Talk with Your Doctor
Resveratrol has been shown to be a fountain of youth for yeast, worms and fruit flies. Supplement companies have used this information as a springboard, promising anti-aging benefits to seniors and others who take the product. While it is readily available as an over-the-counter supplement, before seniors decide to take resveratrol, they should to talk with their doctor first. While negative side effects don't seem to be an issue, current research has put forth inconsistent evidence as to the benefits of taking resveratrol. Other than side effects, another risk to consider is that you may be throwing your money away on something that doesn't deliver the benefits you hope to derive.
Research regarding the health benefits of resveratrol is on-going, and your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information. Armed with current findings, he will be able to help you decide if a resveratrol supplement could be of benefit for you.
