John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound produced by plants to help protect them from invading fungi and bacteria. In general, compounds that protect plants have protective qualities when we consume them. Grape skins are high in resveratrol, but its content in wine varies a lot. Most supplements use Japanese knotweed as the main source. The best supplements use extracts which concentrate levels of resveratrol to as high as 50 per cent pure trans-resveratrol.

Research from Harvard University found resveratrol can turn on the SIRT1 longevity gene. Experiments on insects and worms shows resveratrol increases their lifespan by more than 25 per cent, thus showing promise to help prevent premature aging.

Resveratrol can help build our resistance against invading germs by making vitamin D more effective, thus increasing our natural antibiotic cathelicidin and also key immune system stabilising processes. I invariably include some resveratrol in programmes for people with low immunity, including autoimmune problems and those who have had past brushes with cancers.

Resveratrol also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a beneficial component of anti-inflammatory supplements. It also shows promise to help people stabilise blood sugar levels and would appear to be beneficial for those with, or borderline, Type 2 diabetes.

Resveratrol perhaps is the closest thing to a natural anti-aging compound, by helping to prevent premature cell damage. Anything we can do that helps cell function will help prevent premature aging. While any form of resveratrol is good, it is best when combined with compounds such as OPC, alpha lipoic acid, acai extracts and other antioxidant compounds. Resveratrol is no silver bullet, but is yet another one of nature's special compounds that can result in many – especially if taken longer term. Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to: www.johnarts.co.nz and visit: www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a qualified nutritional therapist and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to: www.sunlive.co.nz