Animal studies are one of the methods used by scientists and the research community use to determine the advantages and drawbacks of chemical compounds. From pharmaceutical drugs and medicines to nutritional supplements, active ingredients must first be tested in real subjects before confirmed benefits can be established. One such antioxidant currently being tested is called resveratrol. It is a compound found in nature; the skin and seeds of grapes, red wine, some fruits, and nuts. You’ll likely find a product with resveratrol extract in the form of vitamin capsules, tea, or accompanying acai berries in weight loss pills. But does it really work? The researchers have put this antioxidant to the test with some surprising results.

The French are known for their exquisite food and richly-saturated, high-fat meals. It has puzzled scientists and doctors alike because the average American diet is very much like that of the French, but with approximately 30% more instances of heart and cardiovascular disease. The medical community has now discovered, through a series of experiments using resveratrol extract in mice, that the red wine that you drink is the deciding factor in the health of the French person’s lifestyle. In a July 3, 2008 article published on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web site, researchers reported that the affected obese mice showed less overall cholesterol levels, had stronger aortas, and developed fewer occurrences of heart and cardiovascular disease. This powerful compound seems to mimic some of the health phenomena that result from “caloric restriction”. This is the reason the French can eat the way they do and still remain relatively healthy throughout their lives.

Dr. Sinclair, who participated in the scientific study, cautioned that further studies must be done before associating a direct correlation between results in mice and that which would be experienced in humans. This is because the human body is a much more complex being than a mouse. The benefits of resveratrol extract were also observed in previous findings published, including a study dated June 3, 2008 by the Public Library of Science One. This study found that in addition to the benefits noted above, anti-aging effects were also observed in the animal subjects. This included alteration of the genetic expression of some factors involved in the cellular aging process in the body including slowed aging of cardiac cells.

Resveratrol extract is easy to buy from online stores from the comfort of home with as little as an Internet connection. But just like any other supplement, do the research prior to making a decision to add this supplement to your daily vitamin regimen. The Internet is a free source of reviews, contact information of the institutions that conducted the lab tests, and forums that allow visitors to post questions and read what others are saying. The research is clear; there are many health benefits associated with this amazing compound found in red wine!

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