Resveratrol: Is it saving my life or cutting into my wine fund?

Many people claim that resveratrol, a polyphenol that is found in grapes, berries, peanuts, green tea and other foodstuffs,  is a miracle nutrient. In mice, it has been shown to extend life span, reduce heart disease, and boost energy and stamina. But the rodent testing grounds in laboratories across the world have let us down before, and resveratrol will be no different.

One of the claims of the mouse study was that it allowed the mice to eat tremendous amounts of food without any significant weight gains or cardiac and blood pressure hazards. It seems that resveratrol’s “Pig Out Without Weight Gain” marketing angle will draw nearly as many opportunists out of the woodwork as the original “Anti-Aging Miracle Drug” pitch associated with it.

First off, we’ve all seen far too many prescription drugs result in lawsuits because of dangerous side effects, and these drugs are regulated by the FDA. Just imagine the risk inherint of products in an industry with less regulations and quality control than prescription drugs, and only slightly more regulations than the crack cocaine industry.

Secondly, very few if any of the products on the market have the concentration of resveratrol that was given to the mice during experimentation. Assuming that it is safe, it’s doubtful you’ll get enough of it to make a difference. In fact, there’s no guarantee that the product you’re buying will have much resveratrol in it at all. some of the available supplements on the market use an extract of grape seed and skin instead of pulp, which produces high levels of other polyphenols but only small amounts of resveratrol.

Lastly, if you absolutely have to by some resveratrol, buy it from a store or a reputable online health store. Steer clear from the “free trial” offers flooding the internet, radio and television. We’ve all seen these free trial offers before, so if you’re going to be naive enough to try the product, please don’t make it a double whammy by getting ripped off by some unscrupulous opportunists. Many of these “free trial” programs have a mile-long list of terms and conditions that, if ignored, can cost you up to $80 for your “free trial” and another $30 or more on some additional suppliments you “agreed” to purchase when you signed up for the “free trial”.

Is resveratrol the fountain of youth and health that scientists have been searching for? Possibly. Would you be better of spending your $80 on a bottle of Stagg’s Leap? More than likely.

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