There is a lot of buzz about something called Resveratrol.  It is a super anti-oxidant found in red wine.  Studies are concluding that it may be a potent anti-aging force.  It has been shown to cut appetite while increasing metabolism, making it a weight loss supplement. It can function as a powerful anti-bacterial; an effective anti-viral; it is a known anti-fungal; a helpful anti-inflammatory; there are indications Resveratrol may be a useful anti-cancer supplement; beneficially anti-estrogen; effectively anti-cholesterol; and a normalizing agent of blood pressure and blood sugar.

What in the world got laboratory scientists looking at red wine for health?  Say thank you to the French.  There are fewer fat people in France, in spite of the usually high-fat, delicious sauces of French cuisine.  This contradiction has been attributed to the fact that the French drink a lot of red wine with meals.  It appears the antioxidants in red wine impact "getting fat", in spite of the calories.  In addition, there is a lower incidence of heart disease in France.  This is attributed to life long use of red wine.

However, to get enough of the anti-oxidant for an immediate health supplement would require drinking a lot of wine at once, and of course that would be harmful.  Chemists figured out how to get the beneficial antioxidants of red wine without the alcohol – the red wine pill.  Resveratrol in pill form contains no alcohol, has no calories, and delivers more antioxidants than a glass of wine.

This is making news. The health benefits of Resveratrol have been reported on "60 Minutes", and on major network newscasts.  The top national newspapers including USA Today and also "The Oprah Winfrey Show" have all marveled at the growing body of evidence around Resveratrol.  Major drug manufacturers are studying whether adding it to other drugs can impact aging.

That is perhaps the most significant thing making headlines.  There is research into how the super antioxidant may affect a dormant gene that helps slow down the process of aging at the cellular level.  In a series of globally reported clinical studies, regular use of the supplement has seen patients claim significant changes in their general well-being.  Part of its anti-aging properties come from the fact that it stimulates healthy heart function; you may not look younger but you live healthier.

And, Resveratrol weight loss has been tested in laboratories.  Studies suggest it affects appetite, speeds metabolism (which burns more calories), and restricts fat storage in various lab animals.  It appears that it can be an appetite suppressor.  Recent studies find that this antioxidant may counter diabetes and insulin resistance, which are frequent problems in overweight people.  Resveratrol activates a powerful fat burning gene called SIRT.  This seems to prevent weight gain, even when a high fat diet is eaten.  How?  The feeling is that it may inhibit fat storage.  With less stored fat, obesity related conditions subside.

Very recent studies of red wine pills at a major university in Chicago discovered that it works against bacteria, in particular those associated with heart disease.  Bacteria sticks to the walls of arteries, making the heart work harder.  The result of "the wine pill" is that the heart works efficiently, improving daily health and extending life.

In addition, a diet rich in antioxidants has been recommended to ward off many cancers: colon cancer; breast cancer (all types); prostate cancer (all types); leukemia (various types); skin cancer (including melanoma); pancreatic cancer; liver cancer; lung cancer; stomach cancer; oral cancer; cervical cancer; lymphoma (various strains).  Studies suggest Resveratrol can be one of those beneficial antioxidants.

It's important to stress that "bottoms up" on several bottles of Merlot is not the recommended method for introducing the health benefits of red wine.  The damage to your liver, brain and the hangover (red wine is said to produce the worst) can be avoided. Resveratrol can be found alongside many health supplements.