Trans and Cis Resveratrol: How Different Are They?

Many people know the health benefits offered by Resveratrol, what with constant coverage by the popular media and endless marketing ploys for Resveratrol supplements and the effects of this compound. However, not many people are aware that Resveratrol in nature often takes two forms: trans Resveratrol and cis Resveratrol. Exactly which is which and how different these two forms are are not discussed as often as they need to be.

To put it simply, trans Resveratrol is the more stable and active molecule. It is preferred by most Resveratrol supplement manufacturers because it is the form known to activate the sirtuin genes, a family of genes that regulate the aging process and repair damaged DNA. Trans Resveratrol is produced in plants as a natural defense system against plant disease, extreme temperatures, and the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The trans Resveratrol molecule is very sensitive to light, oxygen, and heat. Over-exposure to these elements can cause degradation and can alter the Trans Resveratrol to cis Resveratrol.

Trans Resveratrol is commonly found in grapes, mostly in varieties that grow in colder grape-growing countries, where the grapes have harsher weather conditions to survive in. It is also found in other plants such as mulberries, blueberries, legumes, peanuts, and some types of wine. The most abundant source of trans Resveratrol, though, is the giant knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), a Chinese weed that has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to cure various diseases, infections, and allergies. The giant knotweed is most preferred by manufacturers in developing Resveratrol supplements.

Trans Resveratrol is known to have the ability to prevent cancer and even help in treating the disease. This is because of its anti-oxidant properties that allow it to fight free radical damage to healthy, normal cells. It was also found the trans Resveratrol works synergistically with Vitamin D extracts to make chemotherapeutic drugs more powerful and effective. Also, unlike chemotherapy, trans Resveratrol treatments can distinguish between healthy cells and abnormal cells, thus giving it such a big potential to be the next wonder drug for patients of cancer and other serious illnesses.

Aside from cancer cure and prevention, trans Resveratrol is also said to have cell-life prolonging properties that greatly contribute to its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. It may also be the reason for the low death rates due to cardiovascular diseases in people who live in France, where red wine, an abundant source of trans Resveratrol, is a staple for every meal.

Trans Resveratrol, or just Resveratrol, has indeed become one of the most sought after natural compounds in the endless quest for longer life and better health. Scientific studies have proven that this compound has a lot to offer, though research on Resveratrol is still young and ongoing. Still, with what has already been discovered, it makes a lot of sense for us to keep on taking regular doses of Resveratrol, or buy your first bottle of supplements if you haven’t started yet.

Based on research, the top recommended resveratrol supplement is Resveratrol Select