Category Archives: Resveratrol

Resveratrol is one of my favorite supplements. I use this for increasing the amplitude of my circadian rhythm, increasing energy production and for anti-inflammatory effects. Resveratrol makes me feel like I have excess energy.

Resveratrolcame to scientific attention during the mid-1990s. Since then, it has been toutedby manufacturers and examined by scientific researchers as an antioxidant (R), an anti-cancer agent, and a phytoestrogen. Commonly calledThe French Paradox in a bottle.

Resveratrol is a beneficial compound found in red wine that is associated with life extension and some of the health benefits in wine. It is produced in grapes as a defense against toxins, and is abundant in the skins.

Resveratrol is effective in inhibiting or reversing some of theeffects of aging like osteoporosis, sarcopenia, mental processes decline, etc(R).

Resveratrol appears to reduce seizures and hippocampal neurotoxicity in animal models (by suppressing kainate receptor signaling) (R).

Resveratrol acts on glial cells which are involved in neurotransmission and it has been noted to increase glutamate uptake into glial cells (R).

Resveratrol induces the antioxidant enzyme, heme-oxygenase 1, which is linked to neuroprotection (R).

Lifelong supplementation of resveratrol may increase lifespan and delay bio markers of Alzheimers (by preventing beta-amyloid and tau protein aggregation) (R).

Resveratrolincreases IGF-1 in the memory center (hippocampus) of the brain (R), which improves memory.

Resveratrol has been demonstrated to reduce blood pressure in people at risk for heart disease (R).

Resveratrol has been investigated for its contribution to heart health after a meta-analysis first found a significant risk reduction associated with 1-2 glasses (150-300 ml) of wine daily (R).

Resveratrol helps heart health by inhibiting NADPH (in vitro) and by inducing eNOS (R).

Resveratrol is anti-atherogenic (reduces the formation of plaque in arteries) (R).

Resveratrol also attenuates Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO)-Induced atherosclerosis by regulating TMAO synthesis and bile acid metabolism via changingthe gut microbiota (R).

Resveratrol has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in obese people (150 mg daily) (R) and therefore helps with glucose metabolism.

Resveratrol can be useful in preventing and treating diabetes (R).

Resveratrol can cause the death of fat cells (R).

Resveratrol can benefit weight loss by inhibiting fatty acid synthase, lipoprotein lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase (R).

Resveratrol enhances mitochondrial function (through SIRT1 activation of PGC 1alpha) (R), which can improve metabolism.

Resveratrol increases bone cells by redirecting stem cells from becoming fat cells (R), which may increase bone health.

Resveratrol synergizes with Vitamin D for bone health (R).

Resveratrol protects against liver cancer (in vitro) (R) and is being investigated for usage in liver metastasis prevention in humans (R).

It has shown promise on skin cancers when used on the body surface of mice (R).

Resveratrol is effective against esophageal cancer when ingested orally in rats (R).

Resveratrol can be used to prevent and treat breast cancer (R).

Resveratrols anti-cancer effects come, in part, from its regulation of the topoisomerase II enzyme (R).

Resveratrol inhibits the growth of Leukemia cells (R).

In animal models, resveratrol can help conditions in which bile flow is obstructed by inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9. (R)

Resveratrol prevents and improves Nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (R).

It prevents liver damage in sepsis (R).

Resveratrol has positive effect on muscle growth(R).

Resveratrol supplementation enhances aerobic performance (R).

Resveratrol has a good anti-radiation effect (at 100 and 300 mg/Kg concentration) (R).

Resveratrol has a protective effect on noise-induced hearing loss (R).

Resveratrol also prevents toxicity of ear caused by cisplatin (a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat cancer) (R).

High doses of Resveratrol can increase Testosterone.

Resveratrol could act as an Estrogen agonist or Estrogen antagonist (R).

Consumption of resveratrol may be connected to autophagy induction (R).

Resveratrol gel showed positive results in treatment of Acne in humans (R)

Resveratrol inhibited herpes virus infection of ducks, geese etc. (R).

Resveratrol inhibited the Influenza virus (R).

Resveratrol has shown to inhibit the activity of Epstein-Barr virus (R).

Resveratrol has shown to inhibit Herpes simplex virus-1 and Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) (R).

Resveratrol has shown to inhibit the Respiratory Syncytial virus in mice (R).

Resveratrol showed activity against Human Immunodeficiency virus-1 and was synergistic with decitabine (R).

Resveratrol also inhibited Varicella zoster and Enterovirus 71 (EV 71) (R).

Resveratrol inhibited African swine fever virus in-vitro (R).

Resveratrol with quercetin showed an inhibitory effect on Human meta pneumonia (hMPV) virus infection (R).

Resveratrol inhibited Human rhinovirus (HRV) and Cytomegalovirus (R).

Resveratrol showed anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans (R).

Resveratrol showed antibacterial activity against MRSA in humans (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) (R).

Resveratrol showed antibacterial activity against E.Coli (R).

Resveratrol inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium acnes,the bacteria which causes acne(R).

Resveratrol had an antibacterial effect on Haemophilus ducreyi (R).

Resveratrol inhibited Arcobacter butzleri and Arcobacter cryaerophilusa (R).

Resveratrol and SIRT1 make you more sensitive to vitamin D it potentiates the vitamin D receptor (VDR) (R, R2).

Resveratrolpotentiates VDR by (1) potentiating 1,25D binding to VDR; (2) activating RXR; (3) stimulating SIRT1(R).

Resveratrol decreases MAOA (strong) (R), which should help with depression.

Resveratrol prevents a high-fat diet decrease in Tregs (R).

Resveratrol inhibits mTOR in a unique way (R), which should benefit autoimmunity, cancer, and longevity.

Resveratrol activates AMPK (R).

You must take resveratrol first thing in the morning.

I use resveratrol to improve circadian rhythm amplitude. Increasing your circadian amplitude results inincreasedenergy in the day time and increased tirednessat night.

When I take resveratrol first thing in the morning, I feel much more energetic that day.

Resveratrol increases circadian amplitude by increasing SIRT1. I take it with Niagen NAD+.

Resveratrol, when taken along with few compounds, shows enhanced functioning.

Since resveratrol increases SIRT1, taking with Niagen NAD+ will make it work more effectively, by increasing SIRT1 activity.

Resveratrol along with the phytonutrient Genistein roughly showed double their individual activity on fat metabolism (R).

Quercetin was also synergistic with Resveratrol in the protection of blood vessels (R).

Resveratrol, Genistein and Quercetin together showed further synergism, and low dosing of these three can provide cumulatively similar benefits at cheaper costs (R).

Resveratrols anti-cancer effects can be increased with co-ingestion of Indole-3-carbinol (R).

Resveratrol along withCurcumin has proven to be effective in an animal model of lung cancer (R).

Synergism between D-Glucaro-1,4-Lactone and Resveratrol has also been noted in preventing skin cancer occurrence when ingested orally (R).

Both Melatonin and Resveratrol also exert neuroprotection and anti-oxidative properties, which are enhanced when together (R).

In the presence of resveratrol, grape seed extract has significantly more drug activity in destroying cancer cells via the p53 pathway (R).

This synergism has also been noted in regards to preventing skin cancer in mice (R).

The combination of resveratrol and quercetin, a flavonoid from certain foods, can also have more health benefits. For example, they combine their effects together to inhibit colon cancer and increase cancer cell death (apoptosis) in human cell culture [R].

In rats, this combination also significantly reduced fat tissue. In contrast, resveratrol or quercetin alone did not have any effect on the fat tissue. The combination of resveratrol and quercetin is synergistic [R].

Most supplements contain 50-500 mg of Resveratrol, but to get the dose equivalent in some animal studies people will have to consume 2 gm or more per day.

Many leading Resveratrol researchers believe that 5 mg of Resveratrol per Kg of body weight is the suitable amount for human intake. So for a 150 pound person (68 kg),this translates to 340mg of resveratrol per day (R).

I personally take about 500 mg of resveratrol (Im about 70 kg), which equates to roughly 3 teaspoons or 15 gm of the liposomal form.

Some studies showed that taking 150 mg of Resveratrol once daily for 30 days significantly lowered sleeping and resting metabolic rate (R).

The delivery of resveratrol might influence its effectiveness on health.

In mice, scientists tested resveratrols effects when supplemented in a normal diet, a high-fat diet, and through a pump. They found that a high fat diet helped increase antioxidant levels and mitochondrial activity in the brain [R].

Meanwhile, a normal diet did not show these same effects. A high fat diet can help deliver resveratrol to different parts of the body and increase its effectiveness [R].

Resveratrol cant be found in meaningful concentrations in food. However, here are some foods which have resveratrol:

Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes.The richest source of resveratrol comes from the red grapes of Spain (1.89 mg per fiveounce glass) (R).

One cup of Boiled Peanuts contains 1.28 mg of Resveratrol.

Peanut Butter contains up to 13 mg per cup of Resveratrol.

A study revealed that 500 mg tablets are well tolerated by healthy men and women (R).

In humans, up to 5 gm have been taken with no side effects outside of some nausea (R) and some intestinal upset (R).

Resveratrol binds to iron, so if youre anemic that could be a problem.

If taking medications that change the liver such as Mevacor, Nizoral, Sporanox, Allegra and Halcoin avoid this supplement.

HIV protease inhibitors and immunosuppressants.

Excerpt from:

Top 16 Scientific Health Benefits of Resveratrol (With ...

Found in red wine, red or purple grapes, some berries,and dark chocolate, resveratrol is a naturally-occurring polyphenol compound that has been touted as a potential remedy for a range of age-related conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

Said to contribute to the "French paradox"the observation that people living in France tend to eat a lot of cheese, butter, and other fatty foodsyet have a low incidence of heart diseaseresveratrol consumption has been found to mimic a calorie-restricted diet (which studies have shown can play a role in longevity) and decrease chronic inflammation in the body.

Much of the research pointing to the benefits have been laboratory or animal-based studies. So far, research on resveratrol's effectiveness in humans has yielded mixed results. Here's a look at some key study findings:

1) HeartHealth

For a review published in Clinical Nutrition in 2015, researchers analyzed six previously published studies on the effects of resveratrol on blood pressure, and concluded that resveratrol didn'tsignificantly reduce blood pressure. Higher doses of resveratrol (over 150 mg per day), however, werefound to significantly decrease systolic blood pressure (the top number on a blood pressure reading).

Another review, published in the International Journal of Cardiology in 2015, examined the effectiveness of resveratrol on cardiovascular risk factors. After analyzing 10 previously published studies, researchers concluded that the analysis did not suggest any benefit of resveratrol supplementation on heart disease risk factors, including levels oftotal cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and C-reactive protein (a blood protein that is raised when there is inflammation, including in heart disease).

2) Aging

There's some evidence that resveratrol may not prolong life, according to research on people living in Tuscany who consume a diet rich in resveratrol from food sources like red wine. In astudy published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014, 783 men and women 65 years or older were followed from 1998 to 2009.

During that time, intake of red wine (as measured by urine levels of resveratrol metabolites), didn't change the likelihood of dying from any cause, the incidence of heart disease or cancer, or markers of inflammation.

3) Cancer

A number of preliminary studies suggest that resveratrol may have anti-cancer effects. In a2016 animalstudy, for instance, resveratrol suppressed ovarian tumor regrowth after chemotherapy. Published in Cancer, the study found that resveratrol inhibited the uptake of glucose by cancer cells (many cancer cells depend on glucose as their energy supply).

Despite these findings, the data from the limited human clinical trials have shown inconsistent outcomes and the American Cancer Society cautions that randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the cancer-fighting effects of resveratrol. (There is also some concern that resveratrol may influence levels of estrogen and other hormones.)

Trans-resveratrol is a form of resveratrol commonly found in supplements. Proponents often claim that trans-resveratrol is the most stable form of resveratrol.

In addition to food sources, resveratrol is also found in Japanese knotweed (Polypodium cuspidatum), grape seed extract, cissus quadrangularis, and white mulberry (Morus alba).

Pterostilbeneis a compound related to resveratrol.

LIttle is known about the safety of long-term or high dose use of resveratrol.

Since resveratrol may possess estrogen-like properties, some medical experts recommend that people with hormone-sensitive cancers (including cancers of the breast, ovary, or uterus), pregnant women, and children avoid taking resveratrol.

In addition, resveratrol could interact with blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin, and ibuprofen, which may raise your risk of bleeding.

According to one study, high-dose resveratrol supplementation was associated with fever,reduced blood cells, and decreased blood pressure.

There is some concern that high doses ofresveratrol supplements could lead to kidney problems in some people.

Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. You can get tips on usingsupplementshere.

Since the compound was first described in 1992, resveratrol has been studied for its much-touted benefits on the brain, heart, and lifespan, but recent research casts doubt on the notion that resveratrol supplementscan help you live longer or lower your risk of heart disease or cancer.

If you're wondering whether a daily glass of red wine or piece of dark chocolate will improve your health, some researchers note that consumption of red wine, dark chocolate, and some berries has been found to decrease inflammation and have heart-healthy benefits, and suggest that other compounds in these foods may contribute to these benefits.

It's impossible, however, to get anywhere near the doses used in studies from food sources. Many of the studies have used a dose of about 100 mg or more of resveratrol, while a 5-ounce glass of red wine only has about 1 mg of resveratrol.

It's important to note that increasing your intake of red wine comes with a trade-off.Consuming too much may raise your risk of high bloodpressure, liver damage, obesity, and some forms of cancer.

To boost your intake without consuming alcohol, try eating foods like grapes, raspberries, plums,blueberries, cranberries, grape tomatoes, and pomegranate (all of which are rich in resveratrol and a range of antioxidants and nutrients).

If you're still considering using resveratrol supplements, talk to your healthcare provider before starting your supplement regimen to weigh the pros and cons and discuss whether it's appropriate for you.

Sources:

Liu Y, Ma W, Zhang P, He S, Huang D.Effect of resveratrol on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Clin Nutr. 2015 Feb;34(1):27-34.

Sahebkar A, Serban C, Ursoniu S, et al.Lack of efficacy of resveratrol on C-reactive protein and selected cardiovascular risk factors--Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Int J Cardiol. 2015;189:47-55.

Semba RD, Ferrucci L, Bartali B, et al.Resveratrol levels and all-cause mortality in older community-dwelling adults.JAMA Intern Med. 2014 Jul;174(7):1077-84.

Tan L, Wang W, He G, et al.Resveratrol inhibits ovarian tumor growth in an in vivo mouse model.Cancer. 2016 Mar 1;122(5):722-9.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.

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Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses - verywellfit.com

Have you heard of the so-called French Paradox? It refers to the fact that despite their high cholesterol and high saturated fat diet, the French do not contract heart disease because of their high red wine intake.1 While this belief most likely stemmed from a marketing campaign perpetuated by the wine industry,2 there may be some truth to this, as red wine contains a potent antioxidant known as resveratrol.

However, drinking red wine is not the only way to get resveratrol, and you should not rely on it as your primary source of this antioxidant as it can pose many negative effects (more on this later). But first, lets touch on what resveratrol is and how it does your body good.

Resveratrol, also known as 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene, is a naturally occurring compound found in a number of plants. It belongs to stilbenes, a class of polyphenolic compounds, and acts like an antioxidant. Resveratrol is actually designed to help increase the life span of these plants by making them resistant to diseases, injury and various stressors, including excessive UV radiation, drastic climate changes and fungal infections.3

The discovery of resveratrol can be attributed to Japanese scientist Michio Takaoka, who first isolated the compound in 1939. He took it from white hellebore, a poisonous medicinal plant. Many years later, in 1963, another Japanese scientist known only as Nonomura isolated resveratrol from Japanese knotweed, an herb that has been used for many centuries to help treat liver and cardiovascular illnesses.

It was only in 1976 when the presence of resveratrol in grapes became known, and only in 1992 was it discovered to be in wine. More studies regarding the potential benefits of resveratrol are still being conducted.4

Clearly, you can get resveratrol from a number of plant foods, but most people believe the misconception that they can simply drink red wine to reap the benefits of this potent antioxidant. But as mentioned above, this can pose many drastic health effects.

Although some studies claim that resveratrol is highly soluble in alcohol, making it more absorbable in red wine, this should not be reason enough to rely on this as your main source. First of all, alcohol is a neurotoxic that can severely damage your brain and other organs. Plus, it increases your insulin levels.

Wine has also been shown to harbor glyphosate, the active and carcinogenic ingredient in the Roundup herbicide. Hence, I would advise you to get this compound from healthier food sources or to take a resveratrol supplement.

It is said that when you consume resveratrol, you get the protective effects it imparts to plants, too. Muscadine grapes are known to have the highest resveratrol concentration in nature, mainly because of their extra thick skins and numerous seeds these are actually where the compound is mostly concentrated. In fact, one gram of fresh grape skin contains at least 50 to 100 micrograms of resveratrol. Other potent sources of this nutrient include:

The problem with most of these food sources, specifically the grapes and berries, is that theyre particularly high in fructose. Consuming them in excessive amounts may prove to be detrimental, especially if youre one of those who suffer from insulin resistance.

In addition, if you want to get resveratrol from cacao, make sure that you consume organic dark chocolate or raw cacao, and not the milk chocolate varieties that are loaded with sugar. Another potent yet lesser-known source of resveratrol is itadori tea, or Japanese knotweed. This has long been used in China and Japan as a traditional herbal remedy for stroke and heart disease.5

If you arent receiving enough resveratrol from food sources such as these, I recommend taking a high-quality resveratrol supplement. Ideally, look for a whole food complex that makes use of muscadine grape skin and seeds.

As an antioxidant, resveratrol is known for combatting damaging free radicals in your body. However, its benefits go beyond that, as it has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties as well, both of which are well established by science. That is why this potent compound can be highly useful for helping to fight and reduce the risk of a variety of chronic illnesses.

One of the standout benefits of this potent antioxidant is its neuroprotective effects, which may help slow or prevent the progression of Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia and stroke. Resveratrol can cross your blood-brain barrier to quell inflammation in your central nervous system. This type of inflammation actually plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative illnesses.

Resveratrol also shows promise in improving cerebral blood flow, which is responsible for its protective effects against stroke and vascular dementia. To summarize, here are some of the effects that resveratrol can have on your brain (and overall) health:

May help protect against depression6

Helps improve brain blood flow

Helps suppress brain inflammation

May prevent plaque that leads to Alzheimer's

Has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

May improve learning and memory

Another impressive way that resveratrol can boost your well-being is its ability to improve mitochondrial health. According to one study, mice that are on a high-calorie diet exhibited better health and a higher survival rate after taking resveratrol.7

In another research, it was found that improved mitochondrial health through resveratrol helped protect against metabolic disease, diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. It does this by activating SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha, which are the primary drivers for mitochondrial biogenesis.8

There is a growing number of studies that support resveratrols potential effects on cancer, with evidence dating as far back as 1997. Cancer researchers took great interest in these findings, particularly its ability to make cancerous tumors more vulnerable to conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.9

A 2011 review of dietary agents that have tumor-sensitizing properties (making them more susceptible to chemo drugs) found that resveratrol was a clear candidate owing to its multi-targeting properties. Some cancers that resveratrol had a substantial effect on include:

Prostate cancer

Acute myeloid and promyelocytic leukemia

Oral epidermoid carcinoma

Lung carcinoma

Multiple myeloma

Pancreatic cancer

Resveratrol was also shown to help alleviate some of the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which include depression, fatigue, anorexia, neuropathic pain and sleep disorders, to name a few. The study authors noted that these symptoms occur due to dysregulation of inflammatory pathways in your system, which clearly explains the efficacy of this antioxidant.10

Take note that the some of the studies on resveratrols effects on diseases usually employ high doses of resveratrol higher than most supplements. For example, the largest U.S. clinical trial on resveratrol, which involved 119 Alzheimers patients, made use of doses as high as 1 gram per day this is typically higher than most supplements,11 which are only around 250 to 500 milligrams per dose.

Ideally, consult a physician if you want to take resveratrol for its therapeutic effects, as you may need proper guidance if you want to take higher doses. Nevertheless, even just regular supplementation and getting it from food sources may already offer profound impacts on your well-being.

Resveratrol is generally safe, and according to WebMD,12 there are no severe side effects associated with this supplement, even in high doses. However, please note that resveratrol is recommended for adults ages 18 years old and older. Do not give this supplement to children, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, without the advice of a health practitioner.

Resveratrol may also interact with medications like blood thinners and NSAIDs, so refrain from taking this supplement if youre using these prescription drugs.13

The benefits of resveratrol can be far-reaching, but take note that taking it will be useless if you do not address your overall diet and lifestyle. Make sure that you cover the basics, such as consuming healthy, well-balanced meals, following a regular exercise routine, managing your stress and getting sufficient sleep. As with other supplements, resveratrol only serves as a complement to your diet and should not be treated as a solution or cure to your health problems.

Q: What does resveratrol do?

A: Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compounds that naturally occurs in plants. It works as a potent antioxidant that makes plants resistant to diseases, injury and various stressors, including excessive UV radiation, drastic climate changes and fungal infections. Hence, it is said that when you consume resveratrol, you also get the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that it offers.

Q: What is resveratrol used for?

A: Resveratrol is basically used to help combat damaging free radicals in the body. It has shown promise in helping treat and prevent chronic illnesses, and has a particularly potent neuroprotective effect, offering protection against diseases like vascular dementia, Alzheimers disease and stroke. Its also shown promise in boosting mitochondrial health and may even have anti-cancer benefits, according to studies.

Read more:

Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses

Published January 15 2018

According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014 (1). The disease especially has a high prevalence in the Western countries, and it has been linked extensively with heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, kidney failure, and blindness. For this reason, a lot of research has gone into the disease progression and treatment options available for diabetes. In this article Im going to discuss four different types of diabetes, along with some of the natural treatment options available. Then towards the end of this article Ill discuss how each type relates to thyroid health.

Before discussing the different types of diabetes, Id like to answer the question why is there an increased prevalence of diabetes? Although genetics is a factor in the development of the different types of diabetes, the main reason why there has been an increased prevalence is due to poor diet, along with other lifestyle factors. This is especially true with type 2 diabetes, but it is also a factor in the other types of diabetes as well.

Lets go ahead and look at the different types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that involves the immune system attacking the pancreas. Beta cells are destroyed in the pancreas, and these beta cells are responsible for the production of insulin. Insulin is involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels. Consequently, there isnt a way for glucose in the blood to enter the cells without insulin, resulting in high blood sugar. Adolescents typically develop this type, which is why type 1 diabetes once was referred to as juvenile diabetes. However, adults can also develop type 1 diabetes, although many times they actually have type 1.5 diabetes, which Ill discuss later in this article.

Potential Causes of Type 1 Diabetes

Just as is the case with other autoimmune conditions, genetics plays a role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Some children who are born with a particular genotype variation with a family history of the disease have a 1 in 5 chance of developing this condition (2). Interestingly, more than 85 percent of children who have type 1 diabetes dont have a family history (2). Just as is the case with Hashimotos thyroiditis and Graves disease, we can t change the genetics of those with type 1 diabetes, but we can modify diet and lifestyle factors, which can have a huge impact.

In the past I wrote a blog post where I discussed the triad of autoimmunity. This is also known as the 3-legged stool of autoimmunity, and according to this triad, the development of any autoimmune condition requires the following three components: 1) a genetic predisposition, 2) an environmental trigger, and 3) a leaky gut. And while the damage to the beta cells supposedly cant be reversed, in type 1 diabetes the goal still should be to find and remove the environmental triggers and heal the gut. This of course is true will all autoimmune conditions, including Graves disease and Hashimotos.

Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is usually based on a persons symptoms and blood tests. Some of the common symptoms patients with type 1 diabetes experience include excessive thirst, hunger, blurry vision, lethargy, and weight loss. These symptoms occur because since insulin isnt available to shuttle glucose into cells, they are left without an immediate source of energy.

Laboratory tests involve testing fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), and an oral glucose tolerance test. Its also a good idea to test for fasting insulin. These tests will usually be conducted initially. C-peptide is a 31 amino acid peptide that can also provide some valuable information, and it is more reliable than insulin as a measure of endogenous insulin secretion (3). In type 1 diabetes we would expect the C-peptide levels to be low, while someone with type 2 diabetes will usually have normal or high levels of C-peptide.

As is the case with other autoimmune conditions, it is also possible to test for autoantibodies. These include antibodies to insulin (IAA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and protein tyrosine phosphatase (IA2). These antibodies can be tested at most labs, including Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics.

Conventional Treatment Options For Type 1 Diabetes

Conventional treatment options usually involve providing dose-dependent amounts of insulin the patient has to take at regular intervals. Even though type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, conventional medical treatment doesnt do anything to improve the health of the persons immune system.

Natural Treatment Options For Type 1 Diabetes

Although there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, the overall goal should be to improve the health of the persons immune system. This involves removing any environmental triggers and healing the gut. Even though the person with type 1 diabetes might need to take insulin, its important to keep in mind that someone with one autoimmune condition is more likely to develop other autoimmune conditions in the future. Improving the health of the persons immune system will decrease the chances of other autoimmune conditions developing in the future. In addition, it might slow down or prevent further damage to the beta cells of the pancreas, which means that the person wont need to take as high of a dosage of insulin.

Curcumin. This is a potent natural treatment option for type 1 diabetes. This is the compound that gives turmeric its orange-yellow color. One study showed that curcumin helps to reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and suppresses T cell activity (T cells aid in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells) (4). Some patients with type 1 diabetes have also used curcumin supplements help control high blood sugar. Another study I came across showed that both curcumin and resveratrol can enhance the function of the pancreatic beta cells (5).

Gymnema sylvestre. This herb has been shown to cause insulin secretion from the beta cells, and might even help with beta cell regeneration (6) (7). This isnt to suggest that taking gymnema will reverse type 1 diabetes, but taking 500 to 1,000 mg/day might help with insulin secretion.

Type 2 diabetes doesnt involve an autoimmune component, although it does alter the way glucose is used in the body. This condition is characterized by either a lack of insulin, or the bodys inability to use insulin efficiently, the latter which causes a state known as insulin resistance. Either way, the person with type 2 diabetes will have high blood glucose levels. About 90 % of people who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes (8).

Potential Causes

Although genetics can play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle and environment seem to be much greater factors. Obesity, weight gain, smoking, and physical inactivity are all risk factors (9).

Its also worth mentioning that pregnant women can develop gestational diabetes, which is the most common medical complication of pregnancy (10). Dietary changes and exercise usually are recommended initially, although oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin may be given if the blood sugar levels remain high. Gestational diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes, but usually resolves itself after the woman gives birth. However, women who develop gestational diabetes are often at greater risk for developing diabetes later on.

Diagnosis

Just as is the case with the other types of diabetes, the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes involves analyzing the patients symptoms and ordering specific tests. In the beginning stages the person might not experience any obvious symptoms, and so its commonly found during routine testing. For example, someone might obtain a fasting glucose as part of a routine physical, and upon seeing this value elevated the doctor orders additional tests, such as the hemoglobin A1C and the oral glucose tolerance tests. If the blood sugar levels remain continuously high then the person may experience symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness.

Conventional Treatment Options For Type 2 Diabetes

Depending on the severity of the patients condition, some medical doctors will initially recommend diet and lifestyle changes without giving medication. Speaking of medication, metformin is an anti-hyperglycemic drug, and it usually is the first line of therapy recommended to those who have type 2 diabetes. The main way it helps those with type 2 diabetes is by greatly decreasing glucose production in the liver (11). There is also evidence that metformin can help to restore ovarian function in PCOS, reduce fatty liver, and to lower microvascular and macrovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes (11). However, there is evidence that long-term use of metformin can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia (12).

In some severe cases of type 2 diabetes the person may need to take insulin. But usually this is a last resort, and many people do fine taking metformin. Of course the overall goal should be to improve the health of the individual so that they hopefully wont need to take metformin or insulin, at least not for a prolonged period of time.

Natural Treatment Options For Type 2 Diabetes

Eating well and exercising regularly can help with many different health conditions, and without question this includes type 2 diabetes. With regards to diet, eating a standard Paleo or autoimmune Paleo diet can help, although some healthcare professionals recommend a ketogenic diet for type 2 diabetes. This involves a diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates, and the body converts the fat into energy instead of the carbohydrates.

Ketosis vs. Ketoacidosis

When talking about a ketogenic diet, some people get concerned about diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a serious complication of diabetes, and it occurs when there are very high levels of ketones in the body. This is more common in those people with type 1 diabetes, although it can also affect those with type 2 diabetes who dont properly manage their health. Ketoacidosis happens when your body is unable to produce enough insulin, and some of the symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or fatigue, and/or shortness of breath (13). In addition, the person will usually have high blood sugar levels and high ketone levels in the urine.

How does this differ from ketosis? Ketosis is considered to be a mild form of ketoacidosis. When someone is eating a lower amount of carbohydrates and is eating a good amount of healthy fats (i.e. avocados, coconut oil, fatty fish) their body will create ketones. With the ketogenic diet the body is essentially using fat for energy instead of glucose.

Berberine. I mentioned how metformin is the most common conventional medical treatment for type 2 diabetes. For those who are looking for a natural option, berberine is something to consider taking. Berberine is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid isolated from the herb Rhizoma Coptidis, and it has anti-hyperglycemic properties (14). Not only is berberine a potent oral hypoglycemic agent, but it also has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism (15). In other words, berberine not only can help to lower fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels, but can also help lower total cholesterol and LDL.

Chromium. A few studies have shown that chromium can benefit those with type 2 diabetes by helping with glycemic control and increasing insulin sensitivity (16) (17) (18).

Magnesium. Intracellular magnesium plays a key role in regulating insulin action, and oral magnesium supplementation can have beneficial effects on blood glucose levels (19) (20).

Fish oils. Fish oil supplementation is a natural treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes. One study has shown that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help improve insulin sensitivity (21).

Cinnamon. Research has demonstrated that patients taking oral cinnamon daily reduced their blood glucose and triglyceride levels (22). As for conventional treatment, patients are often started off with metformin, which increases insulin sensitivity.

Exercise. While eating well and taking nutritional supplements can decrease insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes, studies also show that exercise can help to increase insulin sensitivity (23) (24).

Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood (LADA), has characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is similar to type 2 diabetes in that 1) it is diagnosed during adulthood, and 2) has a slow onset. However, it is similar to type 1 diabetes in that the person has autoantibodies that damage the beta cells of the pancreas, and as a result, insulin therapy will eventually be required. Type 1.5 diabetes accounts for 2%-12% of all cases of diabetes (25).

What frequently happens is that someone is mistakenly diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes, and as a result may be put on an oral hypoglycemic agent such as metformin. But while this can greatly help someone with type 2 diabetes, type 1.5 involves destruction to the beta cells of the pancreas, and so eventually the person will become insulin dependent.

Potential Causes

Type 1.5 diabetes is often a result of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Diagnosis

In addition to screening the person for blood sugar imbalances (i.e. fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C), autoantibody tests can be ordered. This includes antibodies to insulin, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and protein tyrosine phosphatase . The most common autoantibody present is GAD, and this usually results in a slower destruction of the beta cells than other types of antibodies.

LADA has also been sub-classified as type I and II. Patients with higher GAD antibody (GADA) levels are classified as LADA 1, and are more similar to type 1 diabetics, while patients with lower levels of GADA are classified as LAD2, and are more similar to type 2 diabetics (26).

C-peptide might also play a role in the early detection of those with type 1.5 diabetes. I mentioned C-peptide earlier, and discussed how it is usually low in type 1 diabetics, while in those with type 2 diabetes it is usually high or normal. It seems that those with type 1.5 diabetes have normal or decreased C-peptide levels, and so if someone has elevated levels of C-peptide this would rule out type 1.5 diabetes (27).

Conventional Treatment Options For Type 1.5 Diabetes

The treatment of patients with type 1.5 diabetes can be complex. Insulin therapy is typically used to help delay the onset of islet cell failure. Sometimes oral hypoglycemic agents (i.e. metformin) will also be administered. Just as is the case with type 1 diabetes, nothing is done to improve the health of the immune system from a conventional medical standpoint.

Natural Treatment Options For Type 1.5 Diabetes

As for natural treatment options, agents that can lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity can be taken. I mentioned some of these earlier, including berberine, chromium, magnesium, and alpha lipoic acid. However, just as is the case with type 1 diabetes, with type 1.5 diabetes the autoimmune component also needs to be addressed. In other words, the environmental triggers need to be detected and removed, and the leaky gut needs to be healed.

Some researchers label Alzheimers disease as being a neuroendocrine disease, and the reason for this is because of the shared molecular and cellular features among type 1 and type 2 diabetes associated with memory deficits and cognitive decline in the elderly (28). As a result, many refer to Alzheimers as being type 3 diabetes.

Because glucose is the primary fuel for the brain, if someone has problems with the uptake and utilization of glucose, then this can essentially cause the brain to starve. This in turn can cause oxidative stress, impairments in homeostasis, and increased cell death (29). The inhibition of insulin/ insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling mediates Alzheimers disease neurodegeneration (29). In other words, chronic deficits in insulin can lead to the development of Alzheimers disease, which has characteristics of insulin deficiency that is associated with type 1 diabetes, as well as insulin resistance that is more characteristic of type 2 diabetes. Its also worth mentioning that amyloid beta protein deposits on the pancreas in patients with type 2 diabetes are similar to the protein deposits that occur in the brain in type 3 diabetes (30).

Causes

As mentioned previously, issues with insulin and IGF are contributors to type 3 diabetes progression. Although Alzheimers disease has characteristics of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the research shows that people who have type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for developing Alzheimers disease (30). In fact, those with type 2 diabetes have almost twice the risk of developing Alzheimers when compared to those who only have insulin resistance.

Conventional Treatment Options For Type 3 Diabetes

Although most medical doctors dont recognize Alzheimers disease itself as being a type of diabetes, keep in mind that many of these people will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. As a result, some people with Alzheimers will be given dietary and lifestyle advice, along with medications to lower blood glucose such as metformin. However, drugs are also commonly given to treat the cognitive symptoms, such as memory loss. These drugs include cholinesterase inhibitors (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne) and memantine (Namenda).

Natural Treatment Options For Type 3 Diabetes

If Alzheimers disease is indeed a form of diabetes, then it makes sense to do what is necessary to lower and stabilize blood sugar levels. As I mentioned earlier in this article, this should be addressed through dietary and lifestyle factors, although nutritional supplements can also be of benefit. Here are a few nutrients/herbs that have been shown in the research to benefit those with Alzheimers disease:

Gingko. A few different studies show that Ginkgo biloba has neuroprotective properties, and might play a role in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimers disease (31) (32).

Bacopa. A few studies show that Bacopa monnieri can enhance cognition and has neuroprotective effects against Alzheimers disease (33) (34).

Curcumin. Curcumin has many different health benefits, and this includes helping people with Alzheimers by inhibiting the formation and promoting the disaggregation of amyloid-B plaques (35) (36).

Resveratrol. Like turmeric, resveratrol has many different health benefits, and it also seems to have neuroprotective benefits in animal models of Alzheimers disease (37) (38).

Green tea. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), is the main and most significantly bioactive polyphenol found in solid green tea extract, and there are a few studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of EGCG in the treatment of Alzheimers disease (39) (40).

Vitamin D. Human studies strongly support a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and cognitive impairment or dementia, and it might play a role in preventing and even stopping neurogeneration in those with Alzheimers disease (41) (42).

Fish oils. Patients with Alzheimers have been shown to have lower docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels, and supplementation with DHA might help to prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimers disease (43) (44).

How Do These Diabetic Conditions Relate To Thyroid Health?

Type 1 Diabetes. Those with one autoimmune condition have a greater risk of developing another autoimmune condition in the future. And there seems to be a higher prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in those with type 1 diabetes. One cross-sectional study confirmed that there is an association between thyroid autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes (45). Out of 58 patients, 18 had hypothyroidism, with only one patient experiencing transient hyperthyroidism. Another study involving 1,304 patients showed that the incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease is high (46). Another study involving children and adolescents showed a high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (47).

Type 1.5 Diabetes. Since type 1.5 diabetes also has an autoimmune component, it shouldnt be surprising that the research shows an increase prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity with this condition. One study investigated the relationship between type 1.5 diabetes and thyroid autoimmunity, and it found that there is a higher risk of thyroid autoimmunity, especially for those with higher levels of GAD antibodies (48). Another study revealed higher levels of both thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies in those with type 1.5 diabetes (49). I wasnt able to find any evidence that showed an increase in Graves disease antibodies in those with type 1.5 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes isnt an autoimmune condition, there still seems to be a relationship between this type of diabetes and thyroid conditions. Some suggest that having a hypothyroid or hyperthyroid condition can lead to type 2 diabetes due to impaired glucose utilization and disposal in muscles, the overproduction of glucose output in the liver cells, and enhanced absorption of splanchnic glucose, which in turn contribute to insulin resistance (50). Another study looked at the association of thyroid function with the risk of type 2 diabetes, and the study showed that higher TSH levels were associated with a higher diabetes risk, even when it was within the lab reference range (51). In other words, if the TSH is within the lab reference range, but outside of the optimal range, then this might lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

This doesnt mean that most people with a thyroid hormone imbalance will develop type 2 diabetes, but only that they will be more susceptible to developing this condition. The good news is that improving diet and lifestyle factors, along with correcting the thyroid hormone imbalance will greatly improve your chances of NOT developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 3 Diabetes. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause reversible dementia (52), but this doesnt mean that these conditions can cause Alzheimers disease. One study involving 1,864 people looked at the relationship of TSH levels to the risk of developing Alzheimers disease (52). Over a follow-up period of 12.7 years, women with the lowest and highest TSH levels demonstrated an increased risk of developing Alzheimers disease, but the same study showed that TSH levels were not related to Alzheimers disease in men (52).

Another study I came across looked at the relationship between thyroid hormone replacement and the development of Alzheimers disease (53). Beta amyloid plaque accumulation is a factor with Alzheimers disease, and T3 can increase the production of these plaques (53). The results suggested that taking thyroid hormone medication may be associated with a faster rate of the diagnosis of dementia related to Alzheimers disease. However, there were a few limitations to this study, and more research is needed. In addition, the same study discussed how thyroid hormones play a significant role in the production and survival of microglial cells, which help to remove beta amyloid plaque from the brain.

I realize this was a lot of information, but hopefully you have a better understanding of the different types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, and unlike type 1 and 1.5 diabetes, it does not involve an autoimmune component. Many refer to Alzheimers as type 3 diabetes. The conventional approach for all of these types of diabetes is to lower blood glucose levels through diet and medication, and sometimes insulin therapy is administered, especially in type 1 and 1.5 diabetes. Natural treatment options also incorporate dietary changes, but nutritional supplements and herbs are also utilized. Plus you also need to remember to address the autoimmune component in type 1 and type 1.5 diabetes.

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Diabetes (4 Types) and Thyroid Health

Were going to let you in on a secret: Maintaining a fresh, youthful complexion is as simple as reading the ingredient list on the back of your skincare products. Heres one to remember: ferulic acid. Its a glow-getting antioxidant found in the cell walls of grains such as rice and oats and the seeds of apples and oranges. It plays a key role in the plants protection and self-preservation, and when applied topically to your face,it helps to slow the aging process by reducing the effects of damaging free radicals on the skin. Ahead, five ferulic-acid-packed products your skincare routine has been missing.

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Ferulic acid plays a major role here. Not only does it help reduce the effects of sun damage, it enhances the efficacy of the rest of the ingredients, leaving you looking bright and fresh.

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This cocktail of ferulic acid and vitamins C and E is basically a drink from the fountain of youth. A few drops help protect you from UVA/UVB rays (you still need sunscreen!), infrared radiation and ozone pollution for 72 hours.

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This super-potent serum brightens skin, improves elasticity and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. Bring on the compliments.

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As if neutralizing pollution and free radicals for a healthy, youthful appearance wasn't enough, this blend offerulic acid and vitamin E visibly reduces dark spots and wrinkles. And for an added bonus,pumpkin ferment extract and pomegranate enzyme work together to gently exfoliate dead skin for a glowing complexion.

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This Ingredient Will Give You Smoother, Brighter Skin

Free radicals are very reactive molecules that reproduce a response to the environmental toxins and cellular actions in your body.

This is typically a result of energy production in your mitochondria that happens when you burn your food as fuel.

But what are mitochondria? Well, in short, mitochondria are the vital engines in nearly every one of your cells that produce over 90% of the energy currents in your body. These energy currents are known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This is your bodys biochemical way to store and use energy.

In the past, many thought it was wise to indiscriminately suppress those productions of free radicals with antioxidants, but newer research shows that isnt such a wise strategy.

There are special types of non-typical antioxidants that produce their effects through a process called hormesis a term we use to describe health benefits from taking low doses of something that is otherwise toxic, or even lethal at higher doses.

For example, many of the fruits and veggies you eat are loaded with natural compounds called polyphenols. The plant produces these polyphenols to ward off pests and predators.

The polyphenols are toxic to the predators, but since we are much larger, and we take them in far smaller doses, they actually cause our body to develop a protective response that makes us stronger. This brings me to one of my new passions: you can improve mitochondrial dysfunction by taking advantage of these beneficial polyphenols.

And one very special type of polyphenol is called resveratrol, which is extracted from Japanese Knotweed Root.

Resveratrol may help promote a normal immune response in your body.*

Plus, resveratrol potentially benefits you by how it...

Resveratrol reduces oxidative stress damage to your cardiovascular system by neutralizing free radicals.* And it helps support your body's inherent defense system, too.*

This potent antioxidant is somewhat different than other antioxidants. It not only helps you neutralize harmful free radicals, but it can cross the blood-brain barrier to help protect your brain and nervous system as well.*

Many folks believe that a good way to promote health is to drink a glass of red wine on a regular basis.*

There may be some truth here. Red wine does contain resveratrol.

However, there's one catch You'd need several bottles of wine per day to experience any of the benefits scientists have uncovered with resveratrol.

And drinking large amounts of wine or other alcoholic beverages not only places stress on your liver, but also increases your insulin levels, which can negatively impact on your health.

Further, many experts are now questioning the value of drinking wine for health reasons at all...

Its dangers may easily outweigh any potential benefits resveratrol can provide.

So how can you reap the potential benefits of resveratrol without the alcohol, sugar, and calories of red wine? There's an easy answer and I'll tell you about it in just a minute.

But first, let's discuss some simple ways you can take control of unhealthy free radical levels...

Every day of your life, you face exposure to dangerous free radicals. No matter how healthy a lifestyle you lead or how nutritious and clean a diet you eat, this is simply a fact of life.

Fortunately, it's not all bad, as your normal bodily functions such as breathing, metabolism, and physical activity generate free radicals. Your immune system also generates free radicals to help neutralize viruses and bacteria.

But some free radicals are the result of environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, pesticides, and cigarette smoking.

As part of normal functioning, your body is capable of keeping free radicals in check and neutralizing them, unless you...

Exposing your body to these types of conditions may overwhelm it with free radicals and cause damage.

Plus, free radical damage accumulates over time. So, the longer your lifestyle and environment expose you to this damage, the greater your consequences, and the greater potential impacts to your overall health.

First of all, address the unhealthy habits listed above.

Then consider going the next step and find ways to fortify your healthy diet with antioxidant-rich food.

Antioxidants provide your body with built-in protection against free radicals and help you neutralize and keep them under control.

Antioxidants provide your body with built-in protection against free radicals and help you neutralize and keep them under control.

Your body needs both types of antioxidants because each one targets different types of cells and tissues for free radical scavenging...

The bottom line... to fight and help neutralize pesky free radicals, you need both types of antioxidants from as many sources as possible.* When taken together, the efficacy of lipid- and water-soluble antioxidants is enhanced even more.*

When it comes to a lipid-soluble antioxidant, I believe I've identified a super-nutrient like no other in astaxanthin. You can check out my site for more info on Astaxanthin with ALA and all its phenomenal benefits.*

And I believe resveratrol is one of your best sources for a water-soluble antioxidant. However, as with just about every nutrient, if you can get it from the food you eat, that's my top recommendation.

A Bountiful Source of Resveratrol

Purple Defense contains 50 mg of Resveratrol per serving.

With an overall 3,500 ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value per capsule, Purple Defense capsules provide a powerful antioxidant blend.

The ORAC value for Purple Defense is achieved by using the most sophisticated and accurate equipment possible. The machine is a fluorescence microplate reader (Fluoroskan Ascent FL).

ORAC values can easily be inflated with any machine though. Using an ethanol solvent will artificially inflate the ORAC value. That's why each batch is tested using an acetone/water solvent. So you can rest assured that you're actually getting 3,500 in each dose.

Now that I've clearly identified resveratrol as one of your best water-soluble antioxidant sources... what's the best way to make sure you consume enough of this antioxidant?

Just like there are issues with other fruits, vegetables, and red wine, such is the case with grapes.

You see, the skin and seeds of the grapes provide you with the most potent supplies of antioxidants... not the fruit itself.

The meat of the fruit contains sugary fructose that can raise your insulin levels. And of course you can't really ingest the skins without eating the fruit inside, too!

As for grape seeds, most people don't like to eat them as they tend to be tough and have a somewhat bitter taste. And some grape processing actually removes the seeds prior to distribution at your local store.

So, what can you do?

There's a simple solution. It's called Purple Defense.

Even if you could find and tolerate eating a healthy supply of grape seeds it would be almost impossible for you to chew the seeds enough to get the equivalent benefit you can from the pulverized seeds in my formula, Purple Defense.

Why? Pulverizing the seeds makes them more digestible.*

Plus, here are additional reasons why Purple Defense should be your No. 1 resveratrol and water-soluble antioxidant source:

So, now you see some of the reasons why I highly recommend Purple Defense as one of your best resveratrol and water-soluble antioxidant sources.

And of course, as I continually stress on my site, no supplement replaces a healthy diet of wholesome, unprocessed foods. But this grape seed powder is an excellent complement to your healthy diet in providing you free radical protection and the longevity support of resveratrol.

Each capsule of Purple Defense contains the amount of resveratrol that you would find in 39 eight-ounce glasses of wine. The Japanese Knotweed Root Extract contains 50% resveratrol, ensuring you get a consistent amount in each serving.

Even more importantly it is there as a whole food complex. Combined with other fruit complexes, Purple Defense provides a synergistic blend of micronutrients to give you the full benefits of the foods themselves.

You see, I am somewhat skeptical of scientists who isolate single nutrients with the belief that isolated nutrients can provide a full array of benefits. In my mind, the whole food complex is nearly always superior. And with Purple Defense, you receive the benefits of whole foods.

Purple Defense is rigorously tested for quality, potency, and purity.

Purple Defense grape seed does not require refrigeration. When stored properly, you'll find it will last up to two years.

No known drug interactions (however, those allergic to grapes should not take it).

What makes our Purple Defense resveratrol formula stand out from all the competitors?

First of all, I chose a formula with a proprietary process called OxyPhyte. This unique process concentrates the antioxidant power of specific compounds and preserves the ORAC value. It does this by extracting the phytonutrients responsible to provide you maximum activity.

The bottom line the OxyPhyte process used to formulate Purple Defense helps provide you with very high potency water-soluble antioxidants from the grapes. Not all grape seed formulas use this process.

And this formula even goes beyond grapes. Take a look at why this grape seed formula is so unique.

So, the Purple Defense formula even goes beyond nutritious grapes in providing you additional sources of water-soluble of antioxidants and nutrients.

But how do you know how well these antioxidants work against free radicals?

Over a 138-year time frame, the U.S. Agricultural Research Service (in-house arm of the USDA), developed a method to determine free radical scavenging activity against the peroxyl radical for both water-soluble and lipid-soluble substances.

This methodology, called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), evolved over the years and today is a good indicator for measuring the antioxidant capacity of foods. The higher the ORAC value, the more antioxidant squelching capacity the food or supplement has.

For example, here's a chart showing Purple Defense nutrients and their potent Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) values (on a per gram basis).

Purple Defense OxyPhyte Nutrients ORAC Values Compared to Other Fruits and Vegetables

It should be clear from the above chart as to the antioxidant potency of the grape seed extract in Purple Defense... even more potent than whole blueberries.

With the total combination of grape seed extract, grape skins, black currant extract, and plum extract, Purple Defense is certainly up to the task.

So, when choosing an antioxidant source, make sure to compare its ORAC values to determine just how well it scavenges free radicals.

There should be little doubt in your mind about how well Purple Defense does this!

You've discovered numerous choices when it comes to protecting yourself from free radical damage and promoting longevity of your cells and tissues.

There are many foods that provide you very good sources of polyphenols and potent antioxidants to help you neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals.

So, I encourage you to consume these foods in moderation. And, of course, your preference should always be for fresh, organic, and raw sources.

At the same time, complement your wholesome diet with Purple Defense, your No. 1 source for water-soluble antioxidants and resveratrol. I believe the research is solid and provides a simple strategy to leverage the hormetic benefits of incredibly useful polyphenols.

Don't wait until free radicals rule your body and your health.* Order Purple Defense today.

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Purple Defense, Water-Soluble Source of Resveratrol