Proper nutrition during developmental years is crucial for helping children achieve a healthy body and mind, which in turn sets them on the right track toward avoiding disease and maintaining a healthy weight. One such compound thought to help with this goal is resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine. However, researchers have now discovered that this compound might also be beneficial for infants, although a pediatrician-approved natural nutritional supplement or foods should be sought instead of red wine.
Resveratrol in infant years
In a study involving baby rats, researchers observed that those fed with resveratrol-enriched food had a higher chance of avoiding excess belly fat or other characteristics of metabolic syndrome compared to those who did not receive the antioxidants. According to the study’s authors, infancy is a potential window of opportunity to intervene and prevent the future development of metabolic diseases.
It’s vital to take advantage of the “reprogramming” period occurring after birth, when underweight babies often catch up to their normal weight peers. During this time, infants are more susceptible to developing metabolic issues. As a result, supplementing children’s diets with resveratrol may be a prime opportunity to prevent such problems.
What is resveratrol, and where can it be found?
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound that possesses antioxidant properties. It’s commonly found in the skin of grapes, some berries such as blueberries, and red wine. The antioxidant has been linked to various health benefits, including heart health, improved brain function, and even potential anti-cancer properties. Additionally, research suggests that resveratrol might aid in weight loss by helping to reduce inflammation and regulating blood sugar levels.
Additional benefits of resveratrol
- Heart health: By working as an antioxidant, resveratrol can help reduce inflammation and oxidation, lowering the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, it might also improve vascular function and blood flow, thereby preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of strokes. For more on how red wine and resveratrol can help protect the heart, check out this Cleveland Clinic article.
- Brain health: Resveratrol has shown to be a potent neuroprotective compound, helping to slow down age-related cognitive decline. Studies suggest that it might even protect against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation and preventing the formation of plaques in the brain Alzheimer’s Association.
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Cancer prevention: Although more research is needed, preliminary studies indicate that resveratrol might have potential anti-cancer properties. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, as well as reduce chemotherapy side effects National Cancer Institute.
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Blood sugar regulation: Resveratrol seems to have the ability to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This could be particularly useful for people with type 2 diabetes, although more research is necessary to fully understand its potential American Diabetes Association.
Incorporating resveratrol into your diet
To obtain resveratrol through your diet, focus on consuming foods rich in the compound. Some examples include grapes, blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, and peanuts. However, it’s important to note that the amount of resveratrol in these foods varies. As mentioned earlier, red wine is another source of resveratrol, although it’s not advisable for infants. For them, consider consulting a pediatrician to determine an appropriate natural nutritional supplement containing the polyphenol.
In conclusion, resveratrol has numerous potential health benefits at various stages in life. For infants, it appears that proper supplementation during the critical developmental window might help prevent future metabolic issues. As children grow older, incorporating resveratrol-rich foods into their diets can provide further support for a healthy lifestyle, potentially reducing the risk of various diseases.
