Resveratrol is a stilbene polyphenol that is found in red wine. Resveratrol is a component of red grapes, and during the manufacture of wine it passes from the grapes to the wine. Resveratrol is considered a biologically active antioxidant, and studies have shown that it may be protective of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mood disorders. However grapes are not the only dietary source of resveratrol. Peanuts, berries and certain herbs including Japanese Knotweed (Itadori) tea are rich sources of resveratrol. Consuming peanuts, peanut products such as peanut butter, berries and Japanese knotweed tea can all increase the resveratrol content of the diet. In peanuts and Itadori tea, the resveratrol is mainly present as resveratrol glycoside, a form of resveratrol bound to a sugar molecule. However, in red wine, the resveratrol is present mainly as the aglycone form, a form not bound to a sugar. This may affect the absorption of the resveratrol. However, both red wine and Itadori tea appear to be good sources of resveratrol.
It is possible that the resveratrol in red wine is the component responsible for the cardioprotective properties of wine.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
