When shopping for the top resveratrol supplement, you need to consider several factors, all of which will help you find the right product for your needs. Let’s take a look at the factors you should pay attention to.
What Is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a member of the stilbenoids category of polyphenols. This powerful compound is present in over 70 plant species, most commonly in the seeds and the skin of red grapes, berries, red wine, and peanuts. Besides that, resveratrol is a phytoalexin, a type of protective antibiotic produced by “stressed-out” plants. Namely, plants need phytoalexin to recuperate from harmful situations such as UV radiation and fungal infections.
What Are the Benefits of Resveratrol Supplements?
Researchers began analyzing the benefits of resveratrol in the early 1990s when they found some interesting data on its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects.
Resveratrol benefits include:
- heart disease prevention
- reduced inflammation
- cancer-prevention
- protection against nerve cell damage (Alzheimer’s disease)
- insulin resistance prevention (diabetes)
Moreover, some research reveals that resveratrol can relieve poor pulmonary function and protect ovarian health. Also, resveratrol potentially helps relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, testicular malfunction, and male infertility.
Nevertheless, more research is required to determine the benefits of resveratrol. Unfortunately, the studies on human subjects are limited. On the positive side, researchers are making an effort to examine its positive effects.
Resveratrol Ingredients
Whenever you’re shopping for supplements, you need to be mindful of the ingredients listed on the product’s label. That’s because some supplements can contain some questionable ingredients with a minimal concentration of the compound you need. With this in mind, let’s go through which ingredients to look for and which to avoid.
What Ingredients Should You Look For?
Naturally, you’ll want to choose a supplement that lists resveratrol as its main ingredient. One of the critical things to look out for is whether the resveratrol you’re getting is trans-resveratrol or cis-resveratrol. If you’re searching for the more potent form, you’ll want to get trans-resveratrol. Some resveratrol supplements also contain additional compounds, most of which are also entirely natural and beneficial. You’ll need to pick and choose the most suitable supplement based on your needs. Additionally, if you’re vegan or allergic to certain ingredients, you’ll want to look for products that are vegan-friendly and free of allergens such as gluten.
What Ingredients Should You Avoid?
As you may guess, you’ll want to avoid potentially harmful additives and fillers. Also, always check the complete list of ingredients for potential allergens and funky substances.
Ingredient Transparency and Labeling
When shopping for nutritional supplements, you’ll have to prioritize transparency. Remember, the highest-quality supplements on the market will reveal everything, from the concentration of the ingredients to the origins and the sources. We made sure to include only those supplements that provide complete transparency and contain the best quality ingredients.
Company Transparency and Reputation
Finding the perfect resveratrol supplement is tricky, especially when choosing a product from a sea of brands. Instead of blindly purchasing a product, we highly recommend doing some research on the brand’s reputation. You’ll want to find a brand that offers 100% ethically manufactured products free of pesticides and other harmful substances.
An excellent way to weed out shady companies from reputable ones is by looking for certificates on the brand’s website. For instance, check whether there’s a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). Additionally, all of the brand’s products need to be subjected to third-party testing. Alternatively, look at the customer reviews to gain insight. You can look at the reviews directly on the official website, or you can read what customers think about the brand on Instagram or Facebook.
What’s the Recommended Dosage?
Presently, there is no “safe” and effective dosage for resveratrol. Nevertheless, experts recommend a standard dose of 150 mg daily for adults, or more, depending on the individual’s needs. Before self-medicating, make sure to consult a trusted healthcare professional for expert advice. Also, always read and follow the dosage instructions provided with your supplement.
Possible Side Effects
Scientists haven’t discovered any severe side effects of resveratrol supplementation in high doses. So typically, it’s safe to get resveratrol in the amount found in foods such as red grapes. However, experts note that people with bleeding disorders must consult a healthcare professional before taking resveratrol supplements. Also, resveratrol supplements may interact with cancer treatments, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, antifungal and antiviral medication, and MAOI antidepressants.