Thousands of studies have been conducted concerning the benefits of resveratrol. The plant compound was first isolated and identified in 1940, during the evaluation of medicinal plants. It is present in the roots of Japanese knotweed and white hellebore, each of which has been used to treat a variety of health conditions by traditional practitioners.

Excitement concerning the polyphenol increased when it was learned that most red wines, some grape seeds and skins contain the compound. It was thought that this might explain what researchers refer to as the “French paradox”, which is a decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease among the French, despite a diet that is high in saturated fat.

That doesn’t mean that you can eat whatever you want, drink some red wine and never need to worry about your heart. Researchers have concluded that the benefits of resveratrol do not fully explain the French paradox. Other factors must be considered, as well. The serving sizes (which are small) and the number of calories consumed, for example, are big considerations, as well as the combination of foods that are commonly found in a typical French meal.

The resveratrol-content of red wines varies greatly. It might contain as little as .2 mg per liter. The highest content does not exceed 5.8 mg per liter. In the clinical and animal studies that have been conducted concerning cancer prevention and other health effects, the researchers used standardized supplements containing at least 20 mg per serving.

Some of the better weight loss supplements contain that amount, along with green tea extract, which is believed to explain the Japanese paradox, and a variety of other food extracts that are believed to explain the increased lifespan and reduced incidence of chronic diseases in different groups of people from around the world.

What I’m trying to say is that the benefits of resveratrol may be wonderful, but if you want to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible, you need an excellent multi-nutritional supplement that provides a good foundation for you to build on. A healthy lifestyle and diet complete the building.

People that start taking an excellent nutritional supplement notice an improved sense of well being, increased energy, clearer skin, stronger nails and healthier hair, as well as an improved ability to concentrate and sleep. No matter how good your diet is, if you want your body to operate at its optimal level, you need a supplement that provides optimum nutrition.

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of resveratrol, according to recent research:

• Interferes with cancer cell production, growth and progression of the disease
• Acts as an antioxidant
• Protects the cells from UV radiation
• May be beneficial in treating Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s
• Helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, at high doses

In the most recent studies, researchers concluded that the benefits of resveratrol are highest when it is combined with L-arginine. The best health supplements contain that amino acid, as well as a large number of other nutrients. That’s what I take, maybe you should, too.