Resveratrol is found in the highest natural concentrations in the skins and seeds of grapes and in  Japanese knotweed. Since the Japanese knotweed is less expensive to grow, it is now the common source for resveratrol extract. This allows supplement producers to keep the price reasonable, while using grapes would quickly become expensive, a cost that would be passed on to the consumer.

The extraction process begins by cutting the Japanese knotweed into slices. These slices are then heated in large metal extractors. After the plants are tested to rule out the presence of any dangerous chemicals or heavy metals, ethanol or other alcohol based solvent is used to remove the resveratrol from the plant. This results in the crude version of the extract. It is not yet ready to be offered to consumers.

After the original extract is removed from the knotweed, it is then further processed. First, it is run over a column of silica under high pressure. Then, it is dried to remove all traces of the solvent before being ground itno a fine powder. From there, it may be combined with other ingredients to form pills, powers or liquid forms of the resveratrol supplement.

The process for obtaining resveratrol extract from grapes is very similar. However, because it requires such a large number of grapes to obtain a useable amount of extract, grape derived supplements are very expensive. Scientists in Spain are currently working on a more cost-effective method to derive resveratrol extract from grapevines. This would make grape derived extract more affordable for the average consumer. However, until then, the extract taken from Japanese knotweed is high quality and allows more people to tap into the health benefits of resveratrol extract.

Just as the resveratrol you consume in natural foods such as peanuts, grapes and red wine, the extract holds a potential host of health benefits. Studies in laboratory mice have shown that it can improve artery health, reducing fatty blockages. It also increases the amount of good, or HDL, cholesterol. Additional studies have yielded result that hold promise for diabetes and obesity sufferers, as well as cancer patients.

So far, the studies have only been conducted on laboratory mice and other small mammals, rather than on humans. Yet, the people of France may be reason enough to look to resveratrol extract for heart health. In spite of a fat rich diet and high wine consumption, the French have a low rate of heart disease. Resveratrol is a key antioxidant in wine, particularly red wine, which is thought to be the main reason for this seeming paradox of rich diet and good heart health. It was just this paradox which led to the discovery and study of resveratrol.

Today, resveratrol extract is commonly available in most drug stores and health food stores. It may go by the name “Grapeseed Extract,” or any number of brand names. Read the label to know how much resveratrol is in each dose. However, keep in mind that resveratrol does not work alone. To maintain heart health, a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and other healthful ingredients, as well as regular vigorous exercise is a must.

Now, this antioxidant is available over the counter as a nutritional supplement. Previously, it was only available if you consumed it in red wine, grapes or peanuts. For those interested in the various health benefits of resveratrol, consider trying these supplements. Here is a little more information to help you make the best possible choices:

What Forms Can I Buy Resveratrol In?

Resveratrol comes in a number of forms. The most common type of the supplement is pill form. The pills may be gel type, capsule or tablets. They will vary in size depending on which producer makes them. In addition, each manufacturer will provide different dose sizes and obtain the resveratrol from different sources. Do some research about the producer before purchasing any supplement.

If you do not like taking pills, you can find it in drink mix form, as well.  These powders can be added to your drinking water, often without affecting flavor or texture.

Finally, resveratrol can also be found as a drinkable liquid shot. Usually, this will come in a small bottle that you drink all at once. It is seldom more than a few ounces. Flavorings and artificial colors may be added to these shots, so read the ingredient label when you buy.

However, such variety is great. Many people have trouble swallowing pills, while others dislike taking liquid supplements. With the many options currently available, everyone can buy resveratrol in a form that best suits them.

Where Can I Buy Resveratrol?

Like many other natural supplements, resveratrol is currently available over the counter. However, this may mean that medical and drug authorities have not examined the health claims behind these products. The studies that have been done have not necessarily met the rigorous standards of government agencies in charge of overseeing prescription medications and other drugs. However, this is true of most natural supplements.

To buy resveratrol, consumers have a few choices. They can purchase the supplements in any form online. This method may be the most cost effective over the long term. Online suppliers often sell in bulk at cheaper rates than other vendors can offer. However, resveratrol can also be purchased at local drug stores and health food stores. You can find it on the shelf with other vitamins and natural supplements. Alternative medicine pracitioners may also offer different forms of the supplement to their patients. Finally, resveratrol is naturally occurring in many foods such as grapes, peanuts and red wine. The difficult in relying on food sources is that you may not consume enough of any resveratrol rich foods to get a dose equal to that provided by the supplements.

Are There Restrictions on Buying Resveratrol?

In the United States, consumers must be over the age of 18 in order to purchase any medications. This restriction varies from country to country. It is best to check with local authorities if you believe age may impact your ability to buy resveratrol.

If you wish to try this supplement, you have many options in front of you. The key to finding the right resveratrol supplement for you is the do research on the different producers. Find out what form allows for the best absorbtion of the supplement. Take the time to discover which supplement uses the highest quality production methods and ingredients.

Wine, in particular certain types of red wine, contain a number of antioxidants. There are two types of antioxidants, flavonoids and nonflavonoids. Flavonoids are found in many foods, including apples, tea and cocoa as well as alcoholic beverages such as white wine and beer. However, red wine has higher levels of flavonoids. Nonflavonoids are also found found in red wine and  appear to have heart healthy properties.

The nonflavonoid that appears most promising for heart health and prevention of various other ailments is called resveratrol. It has captured the attention of researchers because of its fat blocking properties, among others. Resveratrol is a phytochemical that some studies link to increases in HDL or “good” cholesterol levels. It may also improve the lining of arteries to reduce the buildup of fat blockages.

While all wine contains some level of resveratrol, certain wines have a higher concentration than the others. The wines with the highest level of this chemical are red wines, particularly Spanish made reds such as Alemany I Corrio Sot Lefriec. In fact, Spanish made grape juice has higher levels of resveratrol in wine from other parts of the world. Other red wines from around the world contain more of this antioxidant than white wines and some resveratrol rich foods.

Until now, studies of resveratrol in wine has been done primarily on laboratory mice. Research indicates that this chemical may have additional health benefits including reducing the risk of diabetes and obesity, two strong indicators for heart disease. Unfortunately, for a person to receive the same amount of resveratrol as the research mice in these studies, they would have to drink between 100 and 1,000 bottles of red wine daily. However, this important antioxidant may still be effective in smaller doses.

If you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, this is good news. If not, doctors do not advise that you take up drinking. And, of course, all drinking should be done in careful moderation. If you do not drink, you can gain many of the same health benefits of resveratrol in wine by eating common foods that also contain this chemical. These foods include grapes and peanuts. It is also available as a supplement at most drug stores and health food stores.

Keep in mind that the long term side effects of resveratrol are unknown. It is thought that it may increase breast cancer risk because it is closely related to phytoestrogen. Yet, no conclusive studies have been able to establish this link to any cancer, including breast cancer. Consider talking to a doctor or natural health practitioner before you take resveratrol.

Maintaining heart health becomes more important as you age, so now is the time to start considering your options. Resveratrol in wine form, in food or in supplements is one part of the puzzle. This puzzle also includes a diet filled with fresh, healthy foods and plenty of exercise. In this way, resveratrol is not a miracle compound. It is simply and important part of the overall picture for maintaining good health.

It originally came to the attention of scientists due to what is called the French Paradox. The French are known for eating fat-rich meals and consuming generous amounts of red wine. However, they also had startlingly few cases of heart disease as a result. In time, scientists discovered that the wine was likely responsible for this, and specifically the resveratrol in the wine. Trans-resveratrol is simply another name for this promising chemical.

Regular use of trans-resveratrol supplements may yield a variety of health benefits. It has been shown to aid in fighting cancer or even preventing it in some cases. Of course, it is widely known for its positive effects on heart health, including blocking the buildup of fat in the arteries. But while these two benefits are the most widely studied, resveratrol may also be effective for weight control, prevention of diabetes mellitus and for improved sexual health for men.

In fact, one study in Barcelona, Spain, performed on laboratory rats showed an increase in the sperm count of male rats who took trans-resveratrol versus those rats that did not do so. This may have something to do with the way resveratrol reacts with estrogen compounds, which are a key component in male fertility. While the resveratrol did not have any impact on the overall health of the rats’ sperm, it did increase the number of viable sperm and their motility.

Using trans-resveratrol on a regular basis may even increase life expectancy. While this powerful antioxidant is available in many foods, not everyone eats enough of these foods to gain the full benefit of resveratrol. As an alternative, supplements are widely available and may hold the key to getting the most of this chemical’s benefits to the human body.

Trans-resveratrol is well-absorbed by the human body, especially when taken orally. Liquid forms are also absorbed better by the body than other forms. However, studies show that it metabolizes rapidly. This means it might be better to take two small doses each day rather than one large dose to gain maximum benefit. Another option is to combine supplements with natural sources of resveratrol, such as peanuts, grapes and berries.

Fortunately, even low doses of this antioxidant make a difference in overall health. Also, it does not have to be ingested alone or with specific other compounds in order to work. Finally, the best method to maintain levels of trans-resveratrol in the body is to consume small amounts each day. This is easily accomplished through the use of supplements combined with eating or drinking foods that contain it.

Resveratrol supplements can be found at most drug stores and health food stores. Natural medicine practitioners may also have supplies available for purchase. Trans-resveratrol is most commonly available in pill form. However, it can also be found in powder and liquid forms.

Studies continue to be done on trans-resveratrol to determine what, if any, other medical benefits it has to offer. With the promising results so far, however, taking resveratrol is another way, when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, to improve overall health. It may even help people to live longer.