WHAT IS PTEROSTILBENE?
Pterostilbene is a stilbenoid and phytonutrient (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health) that can be found in blueberries. Studies suggest that it may prevent cancer, heart disease and more. In this article I will be taking a detailed look at pterostilbene and its potential health benefits.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF PTEROSTILBENE?
There is very little information available on the discovery of pterostilbene although scientific studies into the health benefits of this stilbenoid began in the early 1990s.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PTEROSTILBENE?
Pterostilbene is a potent antioxidant that protects your body’s cells from dangerous free radicals (harmful by-products that are released into your body’s cells during oxygen related reactions). Other studies indicate that it may have further health benefits. However, none of these studies have been performed on humans so more research is required before the health benefits of pterostilbene can be confirmed in humans. The list below outlines the possible health benefits of pterostilbene:
– Possibly acting as an anti-inflammatory (a substance which prevents unnecessary inflammation within the body).
– Possibly preventing cancer.
– Possibly preventing diabetes (by lowering blood glucose levels and increasing insulin levels).
– Possibly preventing heart disease (by reducing blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides).
– Possibly preventing mental deterioration.
– Possibly reducing blood levels of LDL cholesterol (a type of cholesterol which can cause blockages in the arteries and increase your heart disease risk)
– Possibly reducing blood levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood that can increase your heart disease risk at high levels).
HOW MUCH PTEROSTILBENE DO YOU NEED?
Pterostilbene is not classed as an essential nutrient so no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been established. However, it has been suggested that consuming between 50 milligrams (mg) and 150mg of this stilbenoid each day will allow you to enjoy its health benefits.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN PTEROSTILBENE?
Ptersotilbene is mainly found in blueberries and grapes. However, the exact amounts these foods contain is not known.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONSUMING TOO MUCH PTEROSTILBENE?
Currently there are no reported overdose symptoms associated with pterostilbene consumption.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FAILING TO CONSUME ENOUGH PTEROSTILBENE?
Pterostilbene is not classed as an essential nutrient so no deficiency symptoms have been established.
PTEROSTILBENE SUMMARY
There is still a lot to learn about pterostilbene but the early research is very promising. This stilbenoid could help protect you from cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more. Blueberries and grapes are a fantastic source of pterostilbene and also contain high levels of many other vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. So next time you go shopping make sure you head down to the fruit aisle and pick up these 2 health boosting foods.
Sources:
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
Pterostilbene Dosage (Pteropure)