Anti-Obesity Potential of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant phytochemical found in the skins of red grapes, red wine, and purple grape juice as well as other food sources.  Research on the potential health benefits of resveratrol has been in full swing since it was suggested that red wine might be responsible for the "French Paradox", the concept that heart health remained high in France despite the prevalence of smoking and diets rich in saturated fats.  The research to date has suggested that resveratrol might have heart health benefits, cancer-fighting properties, and weight loss benefits; however, some of the mechanisms responsible for the possible health benefits of resveratrol remain uncertain.

New obesity research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the effect of resveratrol on human fat cell function.  Fat cells were used to study cell growth, cell differentiation, fat production, glucose uptake, and production of fat cell chemicals.  Treatment of human fat cells with resveratrol resulted in the inhibition of fat cell growth and differentiation, increased glucose uptake, a reduction in fat production, and a decease in the production of chemicals associated with inflammation.  Additionally, many of these changes were dependent on activation of Sirtuin1, a gene that reportedly has anti-obesity and anti-aging benefits.

Overall, this cell culture study suggests that resveratrol modifies the growth, development, and function of human fat cells.  Furthermore, these changes are such that the effects of resveratrol might reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related health conditions.  While it appears that resveratrol and resveratrol-rich foods might have health and weight management benefits, research with human subjects needs to be done to determine if the benefits observed in cell culture and animals studies translates to human benefits.  Nonetheless, resveratrol-rich foods like red grapes and peanuts can be a healthy part of well balanced diet.

Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant phytochemicals are a vital part of a healthy diet plan.  My easy diet plan is a great way to control your calorie intake while enjoying delicious protein rich, low-glycemic foods.