Exploring the role of resveratrol in healthy aging

As the quest for healthy aging continues to gain widespread attention, the spotlight shines on nature's pantry, revealing food components with powerful health-promoting properties. Resveratrol, a substance that is found in grapes and wine, as well as in other plant-source foods, is one example.

What does resveratrol do?

Resveratrol is a polyphenol known to be an antioxidant and has been shown to have numerous health benefits.^[1] Resveratrol exhibits antitumor activities and has also been found to have cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties.^[2]

How resveratrol slows down aging

Resveratrol is believed to slow down aging through multiple activities in the body^[3]. For example, some research has shown that resveratrol inhibits inflammation and helps protect cells from damage.

Resveratrol may also work to improve mitochondrial function through its effect on the genes involved in energy metabolism.^[4] The mitochondria generate energy and are considered the “powerhouse” of the cell. Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to be a hallmark of aging and is an important target for improving the quality of life.^[5]

Benefits of Resveratrol

Benefits and side effects of resveratrol

Resveratrol has a number of potential health benefits^[6]. Resveratrol benefits may include:^[7]

• Improvement in blood lipids and blood pressure
• Protection of the brain
• Improvement in insulin sensitivity
• Support of wound healing

While many potential benefits of resveratrol have been found, some studies have also shown side effects. These include headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, and rashes, among others. ^[8]Resveratrol side effects identified are generally considered to be mild and sporadic, and usually only occur with high doses like what one might get through supplementation.

Where is resveratrol found naturally?

In terms of what types of foods have resveratrol, it is naturally occurring in many types of plant-source foods. These include grapes, wine, peanuts, soy, different types of berries, and some tea.^[9]

Grapes, peanuts, soy and tea are some of the foods with high levels of resveratrol

How resveratrol compares to CoQ10, NMN, and Urolithin A

Several other compounds have gained attention when it comes to healthy aging, including Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), and Urolithin A (UA). Like resveratrol, these compounds have been shown to play a role in maintaining mitochondrial health and are often taken in supplement form.

CoQ10 is found naturally in almost every cell in the body and functions as an antioxidant. It is needed for energy production. Decreasing levels of CoQ10 with age could be one of the main factors in the development of chronic disease,^[10] and supplementation may combat this.

NMN is a compound that is needed for the production of NAD+, which is an essential coenzyme found in the body that declines as people age. NAD+ is important for mitochondrial health. Taking NMN may help to boost NAD+ levels, protect the mitochondria, and promote healthy aging.^[11]

UA is a natural compound produced in the gut from antioxidants consumed in foods such as nuts, berries and pomegranates. UA improves cellular health by enhancing the function of the mitochondria and reducing inflammation. UA supplementation may be used to promote healthy aging and may prevent physiological decline.^[12]

Mitopure Softgels

Bestseller

4.4 · 2342 reviews

The simplest form of Mitopure

Buy now

Final words

Given its many potential benefits and potential to improve mitochondrial health and cellular function, resveratrol is a compound of interest when it comes to healthy aging. Resveratrol is one of numerous compounds that support energy production and may be key when it comes to protecting cells from damage to promote health.

References