Resveratrol Supplements That Work! Find Out What Separate The Good from the Bad.

By Franklin Spivey

Resveratrol is quickly gained much attention as an health enhancing compound. Primarily known as a component in the seeds and skin of grapes, resveratrol is thought to
help human health in a number of different ways. Most of the studies to date however, have not been performed on humans but "in-vitro" on human cells and other
organisms. After a quick search on the internet however, you would think that resveratrol was a virtual panacea. A resveratrol review website I recently viewed
offered a "free trial" of their resveratrol products and claimed the following benefits:

* Slows aging
* Extends life
* Supports the heart
* Lost weight fast
* Strengthen your immune system

No in-vivo studies to date have confirmed any of these results. Lab studies on yeast cells and fruit flies have shown increased longevity. A famous study involving rats a few years ago indicated that resveratrol allowed rats to eat excessively without adding weight. Other "in-vitro" studies in a lab environment have shown various potential benefits from athletic endurance, blood sugar regulation and heart health. Only a handful of studies have been completed on humans. More are ongoing.

Nevertheless, many are choosing to supplement with resveratrol. After doing plenty of research on my own, including reading through many study abstracts on
pubmed.gov, I believe the benefits outweigh the risks. I've picked up a few tips for selecting supplements which I have found helpful. They are listed below.

- Avoid websites that make outrageous claims like "reverses aging", "cures cancer" or "lose weight fast". While resveratrol holds much promise, these claims are not true. Do your own homework to find out the truth about resveratrol.

* Avoid the myriad of "free trial" offers unless prices and terms are clearly stated. Once the trial has ended, many of these sites typically charge several times
more for their products than other reputable sources.

* If the website doesnt disclose ingredients, don't buy it! Resveratrol products are not equal. The only biologically active form is "trans-resveratrol". Look
for the amount of trans-resveratrol on the label. Many of the "free-trial" sites don't detail the ingredients of their products.

* Mega-doses are linked to side effects. The FDA hasnt issued any guidance on resveratrol. As little as 20mg of trans-resveratrol has proven to be
effective in some studies. Over 500mg is considered to be a heavy dose. Mega-dose side effects include nervousness and joint pain. For the most part however,
resveratrol appears safe.

* A spectrum of synergistic components can make resveratrol more effective. In the same way that wine incorporates a number of natural compounds including resveratrol, some studies indicate that vitamin c, d, quercitin, silymarin, ferulic acid, IP6 and possibly others can increase resveratrol effectiveness. Look for supplements that incorporate a blend of synergisitic ingredients.

* Discuss any new supplement regimine with your doctor. Resveratrol appears relatively safe but side effects have been reported. - 30246

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