Resveratrol has now been considered as an anti-aging wonder supplement for years now but did you know that those same experiments that brought this marvellous substance to our attention also show resveratrol to be a useful aid to weight loss?

Resveratrol has been known to counteract weight gain in mice fed a high fat diet since 2006. In a famous experiment some laboratory mice were fed a much higher fat diet than a control group but some of them were also given resveratrol. The mice also given the resveratrol were found to be no more likely to die than those on the standard diet. Their insulin and glucose levels were about normal though their cholesterol was elevated.

It is worth remembering that fully comprehensive testing on humans is still to be carried out but given the promising animal experiments and the phenomenon known as the ‘French Paradox’, it is not surprising there has been such interest in resveratrol as a weight loss aid. (The ‘French Paradox’ refers to the apparent ability of some Mediterranean people to be able to consume diets high in fats yet not suffer the usual bad effects of such a diet).

So what is resveratrol anyway? It’s a compound produced by some plants when they are under threat of fungal or bacterial infection. It is found in several plants including blueberries and grapes, where it is most plentiful in the skins. Its presence in grape skins means it is also present in red wine though the amount can vary considerably depending on the grape variety and where it was grown.

It has been shown to have anti-aging and anti-cancer properties and also tends to boost metabolism so it is hardly surprising resveratrol has been of such interest in the health field. Well publicised attention from some tv presenters has added to this interest and demand.

The resveratrol we see in nutritional supplements while commonly marketed with pictures of red wine actually usually comes from Japanese Knotweed as this is the most economical way to extract it. Whatever its plant origin, the resveratrol available on the market also varies in its quality, dosage and effectiveness so it is important to buy from a reputable supplier.

As resveratrol is a fairly fragile substance that breaks down easily, a variety of techniques are used to ensure enough of it actually reaches the bloodstream and is not broken down by the digestive system too early. This only strengthens the argument for taking care in choosing a supplier.

Read more on Resveratrol Supplements here or you can Buy Resveratrol Supplements at StriptheFat.org