Resveratrol belongs to a group of antioxidant-rich polyphenols called stilbenoids and has been identified in more than 70 plant species, including many ingredients you already know and love:
Grapes (particularly the skins and seeds) Peanuts Pistachios Blueberries Cranberries Dark chocolate Itadori tea (Japanese knotweed tea) Red wine
This plant-based compound offers a host of healthy benefits—besides making red wine and dark chocolate smart ways to indulge (in moderation). In fact, daily wine consumption (up to one 5-ounce glass for women and up to two 5-ounce glasses for men per day) is believed to be the reason the French live long lives and suffer from fewer cardiometabolic conditions. The “French Paradox” may explain the low rates of heart disease, despite the richness of their meals.
Resveratrol Health Benefits
While the potential benefits of consuming resveratrol are many, it’s important to note that it’s unclear how it will behave once it’s ingested, and most studies are not done on humans, and only sometimes on rats. “More studies need to be done on the absolute benefits of adding resveratrol to people’s diet,” Rauen-Prestes says. “However, I would say that if a glass of red wine and some dark chocolate may make us healthier in any way, I will take it!” For this reason, it’s been touted as a natural way to slow aging, decrease inflammation, and fight cancer and heart disease. RELATED: Ask a Beauty Editor: Is Resveratrol Worth the Anti-Aging Hype? RELATED: 6 Nutrient-Packed Foods to Eat for Better Brain Health “Resveratrol supplementation has benefits in type 2 diabetes patients, including lowering of blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin levels, insulin resistance, and the improvement of HDL levels and fasting blood glucose,” says an article in the journal Touch Endocrinology. The connection isn’t quite clear, but the article points to reduction of oxidative stress and an anti-inflammatory response factoring into its ability to lower blood sugar. RELATED: You’re Likely Not Getting Enough Flavonoids—Add These Tasty Superfoods to Your Grocery List ASAP
