Resveratrol Lowers Elevated Cholesterol and Triglycerides

A recent study followed 71 apparently healthy men and non-pregnant women, aged 20 to 65, who had just been diagnosed with imbalanced lipid profiles, including elevated total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Those in the study had similar health status and history. They didn't smoke, drink, take lipid-lowering drugs, or supplements containing resveratrol. They were put on scientifically controlled resveratrol supplement program to determine the effect resveratrol would have on blood lipid levels.

What is resveratrol? Chemically, it is a naturally occurring type of polyphenol, similar to bioflavonoids. It exists in nature as two stereoisomers, but the trans form of resveratrol appears to be the active form.

Resveratrol is primarily found in red wine, red grape skins, purple grape juice, mulberries, and in smaller amounts in peanuts. Trans-resveratrol is also found in blueberries, bilberries, and the roots of Polygonum cuspidate.

In the study, participants took 100 mg of resveratrol per day, or a placebo. After two months, while the placebo group had not significantly improved, those taking resveratrol saw total cholesterol levels decline to an average of 201.4 mg per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) from 220.6, and triglycerides decrease to 133.4 mg/dL from 166.7.

That's a pretty impressive result. Even more impressive is the fact that this effect on blood lipids is only one of many health benefits associated with resveratrol. Critics often focus on a single benefit when evaluating the effectiveness of supplements, but this is a mistake. They almost always provide multiple benefits, including many you might not be aware of.

Here is a list, for example, of some of the conditions for which resveratrol is now being used. "Orally, resveratrol is used for atherosclerosis, lowering cholesterol levels, increasing HDL cholesterol levels, and preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Resveratrol is also used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cognitive function. It is also used for aging skin, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, peritoneal dialysis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ulcerative colitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and rheumatoid arthritis."