Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), is a non-flavonoid polyphenol [6] naturally occurring in several foods and plants as red grapes (Vitis vinifera), where it is primarily found in the skin but also in its seeds, and also in the roots of hellebore (Veratrum album), from where it was originally isolated by Takaoka back in 1940 [7], and in more than other 70 plant species, among which we can mention berries and peanuts [1].

In spite nowadays it is widely known that Resveratrol may exert many health benefits, as for example stop breast cancer cell growth, increase longevity, be cardioprotective, neuroprotective [2], to treat pain, inflammation, tissue injury and even beneficial against coronary heart disease [1], something that was only found back in 1992, to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases as Alzheimer's disease and since now another one, its susceptibility to be used as a radiation enhancer in the treatment of prostate cancer cells.

A University of Missouri researcher has discovered that Resveratrol can make prostate tumor cells more susceptible to radiation treatment, increasing the chances of a full recovery from all types of prostate cancer, including aggressive tumors. Image: Red grapes by Danny Molyneux under Creative Common license (CC BY 2.0).

RESVERATROL

Formula: 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene
Occurrence: Red grapes, berries, peanuts, hellebore

Tested for thousands of years Mediterranean food has been acclaimed internationally, not only for its wide variety (fish, rice, beans, meat, olive oil), but also for the health benefits and many properties it exerts. Mediterranean diet has been associated in several studies with a significant amelioration of multiple risk factors, including among some of them a better cardiovascular risk profile, reduced oxidative stress and modulation of inflammation [12]. Image left: Olives by Peter Firminger under Creative Commons Attribution License (CC by 2.0).

The most commonly used herbs in Mediterranean food are rosemary, parsley, sage, garlic and oregano, among many others, but if something can be identified as integral part of the Mediterranean diet is olives, and even more olive oil. Mediterranean diet can be identified in high consumption of fruits and vegetables, olive oil as principal source of fat, low consumption of meat and dairy products and moderate consumption of wine [12]. Now, a study reveals other properties that relate to its benefits for bone formation.

OLEA EUROPAEA

Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Olea
Common name: Olives

Many are the health benefits and beneficial properties exerted by grapes. Grape seeds are rich in vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid, and OPCs (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins)[3], probably the reason why grape seed extracts have showed to be so effective on the treatment of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even heart disease. But grapes are also a rich source of polyphenols, something that has been found to be an even better reason to have them as part of our diets.  Image left: Grapes in the setting sun by Christian Haugen under Creative Common License (CC BY 2.0).

Polyphenols are active constituents present in many fruits and plants, some of them used in multiple traditional herbal remedies, known to interact on different ways against carcinogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and inflammation. They also exert powerful antioxidant properties. In olives polyphenols contribute to give a bitter taste to olives and act also as astringents. Now, a study reveals even more properties are exerted by polyphenols than we thought.

VITIS VINIFERA

Family: Vitaceae
Genus: Vitis
Common name: Common grape vine

Avocado (Persea americana), has been present in the Mediterranean diet since long time ago, where they share prominence with other herbs as rosemary, parsley, sage, garlic and oregano, among many others, and let's not forget olive oil, an integral part of the mediterranean diet too.

Avocados are also part of salads, where most of the times olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, is also present. Now, a study presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and carried out by the Hardvard School of Public Health, says the combination of both increases the chances to get pregnant of those would-be mothers undergoing an In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment. In fact, the study, performed among 147 women undergoing IVF treatment, refers to sources rich in monounsaturated fats, as avocados, nuts and olive oil. Image: Persea americana by Olle Svensson under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0).

PERSEA AMERICANA

Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Persea
Common name: Avocado, Avocado pear, Alligator pear, Butter pear, Trapp avocado, West-indian avocado [4].