Resveratrol may support healthy blood flow

According to a new study from Australia, regular intakes of the polyphenol resveratrol may benefit blood circulation and vascular health in obese adults.
The randomized controlled trial measured the blood flow and vascular health (flow-mediated dilation, FMD) of 28 obese (people with an average BMI of 33.3 kg/m2) but otherwise healthy adults who received either a
75-mg dose of resveratrol or a placebo every day for six weeks (1). The study results showed that resvera-trol supplementation was associated with significant improvements in FMD, while no changes were observed for BMI and blood pressure.
The researchers concluded that daily resveratrol consumption may have the potential to maintain healthy circulatory function in obese adults. Other studies have linked resveratrol (a polyphenol found in grapes and red wine) with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular benefits, anti-diabetes potential, energy endurance enhancement, and protection against Alzheimer’s.

1. Wong R. H. et al. Chronic resveratrol consumption improves brachial flow-mediated dilatation in healthy obese adults. Journal of Hypertension. Published online June 2013.