It’s true: Resveratrol isn’t the fountain of youth. Don’t count it out just yet, however. New research shows that this plant compound could improve blood pressure, regardless of your age or overall health status.
The study, which appears in Circulation, found that diet supplemented with resveratrol increased protein oxidation, which helped lower blood pressure. It also relaxed blood vessels and helped oxidize a specific protein called PKLG1a.
But here’s the caveat: The results came from rodents, who are similar, but not identical, physiologically to humans. In fact, the amount you’d need to consume to meet the study requirements are astronomically high–about the equivalent of 1,000 bottles of red wine.
So what’s the take home point here? Simple: Eating more foods containing antioxidants, such as resveratrol, is the key to lower blood pressure.
For instance, you’ll find resveratrol in peanuts, red grapes, and cocoa powder. These foods already contain a plethora of health benefits repeatedly studied by researchers, so it pays to eat up.
However, don’t overdo it with red wine, which is also an ample source of resveratrol. Red wine may also worsen heart abnormalities as it contains alcohol.
