By: Valerie Rosenbaum
Submitted: 2009-12-14 22:40:28 | Word Count: 530
When it comes to the French paradox resveratrol was believed to be the explanation, until additional studies determined that the nutrient could not possibly explain the reduced incidence of heart disease seen in person’s living in the south of France. As far as antioxidants go, it is a good one.
There is no reason not to try and include it in your daily diet or look for a supplement that contains it. But, it is not a magic pill. Here are the highlights from later research that seems to negate the earlier findings.
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The theory was that the regular intake of red wine was responsible for the low incidence of heart disease seen in residents of southern France. From there, researchers tried to identify the “key” component. What makes red wine good for your health?
They came up with resveratrol, even though it was originally isolated from medicinal plants as early as 1940. In other words, it is really nothing new.
Evaluations of various types of red wine showed that the content of the nutrient was less than 1.89mg per glass. So, unless the French paradox resveratrol connection can be proven by giving volunteers less than 2mg of the nutrient per day, there is no connection.
In addition to the low concentration, there is a problem with absorption. Little, if any, of the nutrient ends up in the bloodstream when it is taken orally. It might still be good for the stomach or the digestive system, but the benefits to the heart, the reduction in blood sugar or the cancer preventative benefits cannot be realized if the nutrient does not end up in the bloodstream.
With a dietary supplement, it is possible to protect the nutrient, so that it is released in the upper intestine. That allows it to enter the bloodstream, but still does not support the French paradox resveratrol theory.
Most researchers now believe that the benefits of red wine are due to all of the different nutrients that it contains, including proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins. Some researchers believe that those antioxidants explain the French paradox, but it is more likely that the dietary choices and the level of physical activity in the south of France is responsible for the lower incidence of heart disease.
Just because there is no French paradox resveratrol connection does not mean that it isn’t good for your health. It is simply one of many micronutrients important to the human body. It is a practical impossibility to get all of those micronutrients on a daily basis, without taking a dietary supplement.
Foods today are less nutritious than they once were and we need more antioxidants to counter the effects of toxins and cancer causing agents in the environment. Proanthocyanidins are some of the most potent antioxidants available. The better multi nutritional supplements contain them, as well as resveratrol and other unique antioxidants.
We need all of the help we can get if we want to live long healthy lives. Now, that you know the truth about the French paradox resveratrol theory, take the time to learn more about other micronutrients. It could be the best thing that you ever do for your health.
Author Resource:-
Valerie Rosenbaum has spent several years researching anti aging natural supplements and skincare products. As a result of that effort she has found the best natural anti aging supplement available on the market today. Learn more at her website http://www.NaturalBalanceSupplements.com
