Resveratrol is an antioxidant compound present in red grapes, red wine and peanuts.
Oxidized (rancid) LDL cholesterol is considered to be a powerful initiating mechanism of atherogenesis: the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries. Red wine phenolics such as resveratrol protects low density lipoproteins (LDL-C) against oxidation.
In addition, the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol are correlated with superior anti-platelet aggregation activity, antioxidant activity, up-regulation of nitric oxide synthase, reduction of smooth muscle cell proliferation and protection against endothelial dysfunction.
Resveratrol helps inhibit the synthesis of thromboxane B2, which induces vasoconstriction (tightening of the arteries). Tight coronary arteries reduce blood flow to the heart and place strain on the heart.
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