Resveratrol supplements have become a household name in the global wellness industry. These products frequently pop up in health discussions, particularly conversations centered on reversing premature aging.
But like similar products, resveratrol supplements are not a magic pill for premature aging or whatever therapeutic benefits they’re marketed for. In fact, they may not deliver the intended results unless adequately administered.
Therefore, due diligence is paramount when buying and taking resveratrol.
We’ve prepared a beginner’s guide to resveratrol powder, focusing on how you can integrate the product into your daily routine and make the most of it.
What Is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a phenol that occurs naturally in several plant species. It belongs to a special group of phenolic compounds known as stilbenoids.
Resveratrol acts as a phytoalexin in the plants that produce it. Production levels usually peak when an organism is injured or is under attack by various pathogens, particularly bacteria and fungi.
Common resveratrol-producing plants include grapes, berries (such as blueberries, mulberries, and raspberries), and peanuts.
But despite resveratrol’s many natural sources, the most effective way to ramp up your intake of this beneficial compound is via supplementation. Fortunately, there are plenty of supplement stores where you can source resveratrol-infused products. These include resveratrol powder, capsules, pills, and liquid-based extracts like tinctures.
But first, it’s important to understand how resveratrol power may transform your life before adding it to your wellness routine.
What Can Resveratrol Powder Do To Your Health?
1. Decelerating the Aging Process
Resveratrol is a potent anti-aging agent. Studies have shown that the compound may slow down the onset of premature aging by regulating the expression of miRNA.
Poor signaling of miRNA has been linked to apoptosis (cell death) and increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
2. Reducing Hypertension
Hypertension is a primary risk factor for heart disease. It’s also one of the many cardiovascular issues you can address with resveratrol powder.
Resveratrol’s anti-hypertensive properties are due to its ability to mediate the cGMP-dependent protein kinase.
3. Preserving Arterial Health
The cardiovascular benefits of resveratrol aren’t limited to its blood-pressure-lowering properties.
Consuming this stilbenoid regularly may also support your cardiovascular system by enhancing arterial health. That’s due to its antiatherogenic properties (ability to prevent the formation of fatty deposits on arterial walls).
4. Attenuating Inflammation
Using resveratrol powder may also help with inflammatory conditions.
The compound attenuates inflammation like most polyphenols – inhibiting the production and expression of cytokines, chemokines, and other major inflammatory messengers.
5. Cancer Prevention
Most cancers present as tumors. The fact that resveratrol powder might alleviate inflammation already speaks to its potential anticarcinogenic properties.
Multiple studies have shown that regular supplementation with resveratrol may inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells.
What’s The Best Way to Incorporate Resveratrol Powder Into Your Daily Routine?
1. Pick the Right Formulation
Resveratrol supplements come in many formulations. Since our focus is the powdered form, it’s important to understand the benefits of consuming resveratrol as a powder and not by other popular formulations.
Resveratrol powder may have a slower onset time, especially if administered orally. However, the effects can last for days.
Longer-lasting effects are due to the fact that not all consumed resveratrol is absorbed at once. Some of it stays in the gut and enters the bloodstream with subsequent meals.
2. Research The Product’s Composition
Like most supplements, resveratrol powder can come in varying concentrations. Be sure to understand the compound’s potency, as that will impact your dosages. Higher resveratrol strength in a product translates to lower serving amounts.
Besides potency, it’s also prudent to review the resveratrol powder ingredients list, paying particular attention to any supportive compounds and potentially toxic chemicals.
It’s undeniably true that resveratrol is a powerful therapeutic substance in itself. However, other beneficial compounds like pterostilbene, fisetin, and apigenin may enhance its pharmacological effects.
More importantly, shun resveratrol powder laden with significant amounts of additives. Sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and heavy metals are some of the most harmful chemicals to avoid.
3. Determine the Mode of Administration
Resveratrol is a fat-soluble compound. So, it would make little sense to take it with water.
The ideal way to consume resveratrol powder would be alongside a fatty meal, such as yogurt and fish.
Dairy products and seafood are especially recommended for their abundant other valuable compounds. For instance, yogurt is high in potassium and calcium, while seafood is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
There’s also the dilemma of consuming resveratrol powder on an empty stomach or after having a hearty meal. While nothing is inherently wrong with either option, resveratrol powder will take effect sooner if administered before a heavy meal. That means even the fatty products that you consume should be minimal.
Lastly, not all resveratrol powder is meant for oral administration. You could also make the powder into a paste and apply it topically to improve your skin’s radiance.
4. Establish the Best Time to Take
There’s ideally no right and wrong time to take resveratrol powder. However, certain times of the day may suit you better, depending on the desired effects.
You could add resveratrol powder to your morning routine to stimulate your energy levels. Taking the compound in the morning provides the physical and mental energy to brave the day ahead.
On the other hand, evenings would be the ideal time to incorporate resveratrol powder into your skincare routine. Apply resveratrol paste alongside your other skincare products, let it sit overnight, and rinse the following morning.
For maximum benefits, remember to cleanse and exfoliate the skin before applying resveratrol paste.
5. Mind Your Doses
Resveratrol powder has an incredibly high safety profile. Studies have shown that resveratrol supplements are safe for daily doses of up to 1,500 milligrams (mg) consumed for up to three months.
However, there’s no such thing as a risk-free supplement. One study found that resveratrol doses of 2.5 grams or more may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver dysfunction.
So, it’s prudent to err on the side of caution. Start with the lowest serving amounts possible, say 50 mg, and monitor yourself for adverse reactions for a few days. You can then increase your doses gradually if no side effects occur.
Another best practice is to discuss with your healthcare provider before adding resveratrol powder to your wellness routine. That’s especially true if you’re on certain prescription drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood thinners.
Wrap Up
Proper usage of resveratrol powder is necessary to unlock its immense health benefits. As a bonus point, remember to store your resveratrol powder in a cool, dry, and dark room to prevent degradation and prolong its shelf life.