The Grape Resveratrol Connection - How Grapes Can Keep You Young

It's been all over the news, featured on Oprah, 60 Minutes and in many popular publications and programs. Finally, it appears as if science has made a breakthrough towards reversing the process of aging. Many are calling it the closest thing yet to the fountain of youth. This miracle substance is known as Resveratrol and it comes from an unlikely source.

While Resveratrol is present in other foods, it has been discovered that the highest concentrations of this compound are found in grapes. This substance is found in the seeds and meat of the grape but is particularly concentrated in the peels. Not all grapes contain the same amounts, however. Some types of grapes such as the concord, pinot noir, and Muscadine grapes are a more bountiful source of this substance.

Because Resveratrol is present in grapes, it is also present in grape juice and wine. Because the skins of the grape contain a higher concentration of this substance, red wine contains more than white wine and dark grape juice more than the white variety. Still, in order to get the maximum benefit from this compound, you would have to drink a lot of red wine and even more grape juice. So much so that it would almost be impractical.

Fortunately, it is also available as a supplement which is a more concentrated, pure form of the substance. Supplements range greatly in the levels of this compound that they provide. This is partly in fact due to the lack of any standard dosage guidelines. While it is generally understood that higher levels are necessary to experience all of the benefits, it is not yet understood exactly what an ideal dosage might be. Fortunately, as this is an all natural compound there are little if any known side effects.

So, what exactly can Resveratrol do for you?

This substance has been proven in clinical trials to have a number of benefits. It is a powerful antioxidant that can reverse many of the signs of aging at a cellular level. It is also associated with promoting weight loss. There is even evidence that this substance can boost the body's defenses against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and a number of other diseases.