Resveratrol – Anti-Aging & Brain Enhancement All in One?

Article by: David Gracey
Resveratrol supplement

Are you struggling to remember the tiny details you once held on to so dearly?

Are you finding it hard to cope with brain fog as it affects your work life and personal relationships?

Hang in there.

I have an easy solution that can help you beat brain fog for good!

It’s called resveratrol!

With growing age, man becomes caught in a downward physical and emotional spiral that caters to a dwindled state of health.

Although we cannot fight time, we can curb the toll that aging takes on our minds and body.

And this is where the role of Resveratrol comes in.

We’re going to tell you everything you need to know about this cognitive enhancing youth pill.

What is Resveratrol?

Table of Contents Click to Expand TOC

Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a family of compounds that act as antioxidants and protect the body from damage.

Chemically related to estrogen, this molecule acts on many different tissues in the body.

What is the source of Resveratol?

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in many foods, including the skin of red grapes, peanuts, and various kinds of berries.

Can that drink of red wine do more than provide personal satisfaction?

Let’s find out!

Benefits of Resveratrol for the body

Many of the benefits offered by resveratrol stem from its action as a potent antioxidant.

Supports brain health:

chess - aging brain

As we age, the blood flow to our brain decreases and causes problems such as loss of memory and impaired cognitive abilities.

Studies indicate that resveratrol has proven to be effective at inducing cognitive enhancement that can help combat the inevitable fate of old age: cognitive decline.

Doses of 250mg and 500mg of this supplement have been shown to increase cerebral blood flow in young adults.

Some researchers even claim that resveratrol supplements could reverse cognitive aging by up to a decade!

Now that’s huge!

As per the conclusions drawn from an Australian clinical study, a regular low dose of resveratrol can help sustain cerebrovascular (brain) function.

Consequently, this plays a part in preserving cognitive function, especially in aged women.

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is an important molecule that plays an essential role in preserving the optimum functioning of your brain cells (neurons) and maintaining stable cerebral blood flow.

There is new evidence emerging that proposes the existence of a relationship between resveratrol and BDNF.

It claims that resveratrol can influence serum BDNF levels in the brain. It also influences the processes of learning and memory.

An increase in BDNF stimulates an amplified neuroprotective response from the cerebrovascular endothelium.

In addition to that, at the cellular level, resveratrol drastically improves mitochondrial functions and biogenesis through the SIRT1(sirtuin 1)/AMPK/PGC1α pathway and vita-genes.

These act to prevent the adverse effects brought on by oxidative stress.

It also reduces neuronal apoptosis, that is, the degradation of brain cells.

Protects against memory loss:

The hippocampus is a part of the brain that has a vital role in learning and memory.

Click here to find out more about the Hippocampus! (or watch the video below)

A decrease in the function of this part of the brain with age could result in mood fluctuations and memory deficits.

Supplementing with resveratrol can prevent the deterioration of the hippocampus, thus preserving the crucial functions it performs.

In addition to preventing hippocampal depreciation, this supplement employs another mode of action intended to help improve memory.

It acts as a PDE4 inhibitor that, in turn, increases cAMP levels in the brain. Increased cAMP levels

Aids Alzheimer’s patients:

elderly woman alzheimers image

Animal studies have shown resveratrol to be capable of protecting against neurodegeneration, a pathological feature distinctive of the condition.

It has also been shown to possess anxiolytic abilities.

How exactly does this polyphenol protect against cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration?

Let’s find out.

A distinguishing feature of Alzheimer’s disease is the accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides in the plaque accumulating around the neurons in the regions of the hippocampus and cortex.

These plaques are toxic to the health of neurons and can result in neuronal dysfunction and death.

So how does resveratrol help with this?

It helps clear out the beta-amyloid from these areas and encourages healthy brain cell survival.

Additionally, resveratrol also helps reduce the inflammation caused by the senile plaques that are common in the brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.

And that’s not all.

Resveratrol also works to reduce the oxidative stress that is involved in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

Resveratrol possesses the ability to reduce smooth muscle cell contractility (VSMC).

Impaired vasorelaxation can cause diminished cerebral blood flow, particularly in cerebral microvessels, consequently leading to cognitive impairment and neuronal dysfunction.

Defective cerebral blood flow mechanisms are characteristic causative culprits of neurodegenerative conditions.

Maintaining stable cerebral blood flow is of prime importance for preventing neurodegeneration.

Supports heart health:

Since resveratrol is a potent antioxidant, it is a valuable molecule to help those suffering from heart conditions.

Antioxidants naturally protect from disease, so the more antioxidants you have in your system, the better!

Resveratrol protects against blood-vessel damage, reduces LDL cholesterol, and decreases the risk of blood clot formation.

Here’s how resveratrol helps protect your blood vessels from damage:

heart health

1) Reduction of artery stiffness (by stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity)

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory pathological condition characterized by the stiffening and narrowing of arteries due to the deposition of plaque.

It drastically increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Resveratrol works by reducing artery stiffness by helping the smooth muscle cells to relax.

This can significantly improve your heart health and prevent the progression of the disease.

How exactly does resveratrol trigger the relaxation of these smooth muscle cells?

Here’s an easy explanation:

The endothelium of vascular endothelial cells releases nitric oxide that’s essential for maintaining arterial relaxation.

The formation of nitric oxide by endothelial cells is catalyzed by the endothelial nitric oxide synthase enzyme (eNOS).

This is what brings about smooth muscle cell relaxation in arteries, helping to keep heart disease at bay!

2) Inhibition of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) expression:

One of the earliest events that happen during the onset of atherosclerosis is the deposition of plaque (consisting of lipids) along the arterial walls.

They adhere to these walls with the help of certain adhesion molecules, that function to bind them together and form plaque.

Resveratrol is capable of inhibiting the expression of these molecules, and can thus drastically reduce the risk of heart conditions, such as a stroke or myocardial infarction.

3) Inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation:

Myocardial infarcts are the biggest cause of a heart attack or stroke.

Blood clots can form and occlude arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart or brain, and leading to MI or stroke.

Resveratrol has been found to be capable of inhibiting platelet activation and aggregation, thus playing a huge role in the prevention of heart disease.

Promising Benefits of Resveratrol for General Well-being

Obesity

Obesity affects a large majority of the population worldwide, especially those in developed countries.

Resveratrol is possibly effective at reducing weight in people struggling with obesity.

Struggling to lose those extra pounds?

It’s time to forget your dieting woes and turn to these supplements instead!

May slow cancer growth

Research studies show that resveratrol may be a helpful tool to slow down cancer cell growth and prevent it from spreading.

It possesses both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic abilities, meaning that it can not only be a beneficial aid in treating cancer but can also potentially help with its prevention.

Owing to its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth, it can be used before cancer resection surgeries to reduce the size of the tumor.

It can also be used as an adjunct to chemotherapy after surgery.

Antimicrobial activity

Resveratrol can inhibit the growth of some microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

What is the recommended dosage of resveratrol supplement?

taking pills dosage - pill box

The standard recommended dosage for resveratrol is yet to be set by the board.

Therefore, you must talk to your healthcare professional before taking this supplement so they can work out a dosage that works best for you.

However, it is safe to take up to 5 grams of resveratrol per day for maximum effects.

Most adults consume doses between 250-1000mg per day for up to 3 months and find that this works well for them.

For people suffering from high blood pressure, the ideal dose would be less than or equal to 0.15mg of resveratrol.

Resveratrol potential side effects

Consumption of doses greater than 2.5 grams per day may cause you to experience the following effects:

  • liver dysfunction
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

Precautions and Warnings:

Pregnant and lactating women

Taking resveratrol during pregnancy is reportedly considered to be safe.

Children

Resveratrol is safe for children when used as a nasal spray for up to two months.

There isn’t enough reliable information yet available to determine its safety with regards to consumption by mouth. Children should stay away from resveratrol supplements.

Bleeding disorders

Resveratrol has the potential to impede the normal blood clotting process, hence increasing the risk of bleeding in individuals suffering from bleeding disorders.

These patients should abstain from taking these supplements for their safety.

Conditions sensitive to the estrogen hormone

(such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine cancer, or uterine fibroids)

Resveratrol has effects similar to the estrogen hormone. Therefore, the use of these supplements is harmful to anyone with a health condition that may worsen with estrogen.

Surgery

It is advisable that you stop taking these supplements at least two weeks before scheduled surgery, as it can expose you to the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • liver dysfunction
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

Do resveratrol supplements have any notable drug interactions?

caffeine

Yes, this supplement can have a moderate interaction with the following drugs:

Drugs that affect blood clotting (such as anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs).

Since resveratrol can slow down the process of blood clotting, it is imperative that you abstain from taking them along with any drugs that have the same effect.

Taking this supplement in conjunction with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications may put you at serious risk for bleeding and bruising.

Drugs metabolized by the liver (for example, cytochrome P450 substrates)

Some medications are metabolized or broken down by the liver.

Taking resveratrol supplements along with these medications might affect how quickly the liver breaks them down, increasing their bioavailability, and consequently the toxicity risk of these medications.

Final thoughts on resveratrol…

Resveratrol is a nutraceutical that provides a wide array of benefits.

Commonly found in many foods, including grape skin and wine, it can easily be incorporated into the diet for you to reap its extensive benefits.

The FAQ Section

What is the best time to take resveratrol supplements?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to consuming this supplement. You can take this supplement both on an empty stomach or with food.

Does resveratrol cause weight gain?

No. On the contrary, studies show that an intake of resveratrol supplements may actually aid weight loss and reduce BMI.

When is it NOT safe to take resveratrol supplements?

  • When taking other forms of estrogen, you should steer clear of resveratrol use.
  • Before a surgery. As this supplement may increase your risk of bleeding, you must cease its consumption at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

What can you NOT take with resveratrol?

  • Anticoagulant drugs
  • Antiplatelet drugs
  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Taking this supplement in conjunction with any of the above-mentioned drugs could expose you to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6164842/

What are the natural sources of resveratrol?

Resveratrol is naturally found in:

  • red grapes
  • red wine
  • berries (blueberries, cranberries, bilberries)
  • peanuts
  • chocolate

Where can I buy Resveratrol?

Some health food stores carry it, but I recommend just getting it from Amazon here.

 

Check out these Other Popular Nootropics:

 

About David:

Hey! I’m so glad you’re here. My name is David Gracey. I am a cognitive brain function researcher, avid biohacker, and self-proclaimed nootropic junkie of sorts! (And, yes, a bit of a nerd as well...) I created this website as an outlet to share my passion for self improvement and cognitive brain enhancement. Got questions? Shoot me a message!

 

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