Human Study Confirms Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Resveratrol

For the first time, a study conducted on humans has verified the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant found in red wine and grapes.

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are two of the main causes of many diseases including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and rheumatoid.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo. The findings were published in the July 2010 issue of the journal Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

The researchers randomly divided 20 healthy, normal weight participants into two groups for the study. One group was given 40 mg of resveratrol daily and the other was given a placebo for a 6 week period.

The researchers found a significant decrease in various markers of inflammation and numerous measures of oxidative stress among the participants given the daily dose of resveratrol.

These findings significantly boost the science backing the health benefits of resveratrol as this was the first study to test the physiological effects of resveratrol in humans. Previous studies have used in vitro and animal models.

The previous studies found that 1-2 glasses of red wine a night may help with increasing energy levels, regulating blood glucose levels in diabetics, better brain health, lower risk of lung cancer, improving metabolism, and improved liver function. Of course, it is important not to get carried away because the negative effects of heavy drinking can quickly overcome the potential benefits.