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

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

Vitis vinifera (Common grape) has been present and part of our diets since the Neolithic period, being harvested since thousands of years ago both, for medicinal and nutritional value [1]. Raisins are dried grapes that may be eaten either raw, as part of after meal snacks or even used in elaborated culinary dishes and menus.  Image: Raisins by bongo vongo under Creative Common license (CC BY 2.0).

Raisins have also the same medicinal and nutritional values of Vitis vinifera (Common grape), while keeping a sweeter flavor and higher contents of fiber. Indeed, raisins have both types of fibre, viscous and insoluble fibers [2]. As you may already know viscous fibers are good because they delay gastric emptying of ingested foods into the small intestine, giving you the sensation of fullness, reducing blood glucose concentration, potentially benefiting insuling sensitivity [2,4] and improving cholesterol levels [2], and insoluble fibers, which are poorly absorbed by our body, characteristic that makes them ideal to improve fecal bulk and ameliorate constipation, playing a very important role to increase our total dietary fiber intake [2].

If that wasn't enough, now, the results of a research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 72nd Annual Scientific Session suggests eating raisins three times a day may significantly lower postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels when compared to common alternative snacks of equal caloric value [3].

VITIS VINIFERA

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

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 hearth disease, but recent studies done on other anti-cancer properties seen in grape seed extracts have showed this natural product may have some benefits and potential use on the treatment of Prostate Cancer.

VITIS VINIFERA

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