Where The ‘Red Wine and Dark Chocolate’ Advice Came From: Resveratrol

Image description: A hand elegantly holding a glass of red wine, with a decorative ring on the finger. Beside it, a plate of golden meringues is displayed on a glass dish, creating a luxurious, warm-toned setting with a candleholder in the background.

Dark chocolate, red wine, red grapes, and foods like blueberries, peanuts, and cranberries are all loaded with resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that’s gotten a lot of attention for its proven and potential health benefits.

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound in these foods, especially in the skins of red grapes, which is why red wine is such a famous source.

Dark chocolate is another standout—its high cocoa content offers plenty of free racial fighting antioxidants.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring antioxidant that fights off those pesky free radicals we talked about earlier.

Free radicals damage cells and contribute to ageing, so having resveratrol around helps keep things in check.

It’s also famous for mimicking some of the effects of calorie restriction, which has been linked to a longer lifespan and better overall health.

Resveratrol works by activating something called sirtuins, proteins that play a big part in DNA repair and keeping cells functioning well. Imagine it as a switch that tells your body to start its repair process—helpful when it comes to slowing down the visible signs of ageing.

What Are Free Radicals?

But what are free radicals? No, they’re not a 80s rock band. They’re unstable molecules that your body makes naturally, but they can also come from outside sources, like pollution or cigarette smoke.

These little troublemakers can damage cells, proteins, and even DNA, speeding up ageing and increasing the risk of chronic health issues.

Antioxidants, like resveratrol, work to neutralise these free radicals, helping to protect your cells and keep your skin looking healthier.

By calming down free radicals, antioxidants support the body’s natural defences, which can mean a lot for skin health and overall wellbeing.

How Resveratrol Helps Fight Ageing

Resveratrol activates longevity pathways in the body by turning on sirtuins, which are proteins that repair DNA and help cells run efficiently.

Resveratrol also reduces oxidative stress—a major factor in cellular ageing—by neutralising free radicals. This makes it fantastic for skin health, as it helps reduce wrinkles and keeps your complexion looking vibrant.

Plus, resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory properties can help ease inflammation, which is a known contributor to many skin concerns and health concerns.

SWIISH NRC + Resveratrol 30 Capsules, $79.95/30 Capsules

If you’re looking to supplement, It’s best to get everything in one go.

When it comes to cellular health and healthy ageing, combining NRC (Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride) with resveratrol is like giving your cells a one-two punch of energy and protection.

What NRC Does

NRC, a unique form of vitamin B3, boosts your body’s levels of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)—a molecule that’s essential for energy production, DNA repair, and overall cell function.

As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to low energy, slower metabolism, and visible signs of ageing.

NRC steps in to restore these NAD+ levels, giving your cells the fuel they need to operate efficiently.

Our Pick: SWIISH NRC + Resveratrol 30 Capsules, $79.95/30 Capsules

Want to get a bit nerdy? Here’s some references we’ve used to learn about NRC + Resveratrol:

• Resveratrol in Foods and Health Benefits

  • Baur, J. A., & Sinclair, D. A. (2006). "Therapeutic potential of resveratrol: The in vivo evidence." Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 5(6), 493-506.

• Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Resveratrol

  • Brasnyó, P., Molnár, G. A., Mohás, M., Markó, L., Laczy, B., Cseh, J., & Wittmann, I. (2011). "Resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidative stress and activates the Akt pathway in type 2 diabetic patients." The British Journal of Nutrition, 106(3), 383-389.

• Nicotinamide Riboside (NRC) and NAD+ Restoration

  • Martens, C. R., Denman, B. A., Mazzo, M. R., Armstrong, M. L., Reisdorph, N., McQueen, M. B., & Seals, D. R. (2018). "Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults." Nature Communications, 9(1), 1286.

• Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside on Age-Related Decline

  • Yoshino, J., Baur, J. A., & Imai, S. I. (2018). "NAD+ intermediates: The biology and therapeutic potential of NMN and NR." Cell Metabolism, 27(3), 513-528.

• Free Radicals and Health Implications

  • Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., & Chandra, N. (2010). "Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health." Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 118-126.

Disclaimer: When reading scientific evidence papers, it’s essential to keep a curious and open mind. Research papers don’t often give us “final answers”; instead, they provide strong hints or patterns that help us understand complex topics better.

Look for phrases like “suggests,” “may indicate,” or “is associated with,” which highlight that findings are still part of an ongoing exploration. Scientific studies often build on each other, with new research refining, challenging, or expanding previous ideas.

By focusing on patterns in credible research, we can make more informed choices, all while staying aware that science is always evolving.

Speak to your medical professional before taking any medication or supplementation to ensure no allergies or adverse reactions.