RESVERATROL

Red Grapes:

Populations that regularly consume red wine are noted for longevity and general good health. Indeed, red wine consumption and superior health is prevalent in much of Mediterranean Europe. The French have been observed to consume large amounts of saturated fats and yet exhibit low rates of heart disease. Recent research has suggested that resveratrol, found in red wine, may be the answer to the question of the "French Paradox".

Although ethanol (alcohol) in small amounts can increase HDL, or “good” cholesterol, the primary heart-protective effect of wine comes from pigments in the skin of dark grapes. Red wine is particularly rich in such pigments, which are liberated during fermentation. The most scientifically supported and celebrated of the compounds is resveratrol (3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene). The compound evolved in grapes to combat disease, especially fungal attack. As evidence, treatment with fungicides dramatically reduces resveratrol production by the grape. Processing to reduce the astringent tannin content of wines, as performed commercially at large vintners, can also unfortunately reduce wine’s protective effect.

Hu Zhang:

Hu Zhang has been used safely for roughly 1,500 years in traditional chinese medicine. Hu Zhang translates to "Tiger Cane". The name arises from the variegated color of its stem, apparently reminding the ancient Chinese of the colors of the tiger.

Tiger Cane's extraordinarily potent (and completely natural) source of resveratrol has been documented in the Chinese medical archives for roughly 1,500 years. The earliest references to Tiger Cane say that it invigorates the blood, dispels stasis, unblocks the channels, and stops pain. These observations resonate quite closely with the observed "French Paradox" for preventing heart disease (by invigorating the flow of blood) as well as many of the other exciting health benefits that resveratrol provides.