Resveratrol- French Paradox
Resveratrol is an amazing molecule may enable us to live longer and healthier lives. There has been a lot of excitement surrounding this revolutionary supplement, but what is it and how can it help you?
The Resveratrol molecule is found in a variety of plants, including red grapes. Scientists are studying how this molecule may play a role in the “French Paradox” you may have heard about. Doctors have long questioned how the people of France avoided heart disease and a range of other aliments despite traditional French diet, which is high in rich fats. The answer is believed to found in that other French culinary tradition: regular intake of red wine.
This video talks about the french paradox and a new molecule that could potentially slow down the aging process. Doctors have been baffled for many years trying to figur out how the french were able to avoid heart disease with a diet so high in fat.
Resveratrol Supplements – Red Wine Connection
As this connection gained momentum in the scientific community, Resveratrol was promptly made available in a highly potent supplement form.
The effects of the Resveratrol occur at the molecular level. ZRT1 is a gene that’s naturally found in the human body. ZRT1 has the capability to control the natural aging process, but the problem is this gene remains inactive on its own. Reservatrol has been associated with the activation of this gene and all the benefits that come with a slower ageing process.
The scientist responsible for discovering the Resveratrol molecule is Dr. David Sinclair, a Harvard biochemist. While studying the genetic components of the ageing process, Dr. Sinclair came across this compelling relationship.
“Ageing is really a set of diseases, and if we can slow them down and cure them, people will live longer, healthier lives.”
-Dr. David Sinclair in a sixty-minute interview with Barbara Walters
You may be thinking, if Resveratrol is in the red grapes used to make red wine, then it’s just a matter of including more red wine in my diet. While drinking red wine has been linked to a number of health benefits, attempting to intake Resveratrol this way would be completely in effective. Dr, Sinclair specifies that you would need to consume upwards of one thousand glasses of red wine a day to experience the positive effects of Resveratrol. This is why choosing a Resveratrol supplement is realistic solution and a great way to benefit your health.
The Potential Benefits of Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a compound that can be found in the skin of red grapes. You can also find it being sold as a nutritional supplement. This type is made by chemical synthesis and is mainly derived from Japanese knotweed. Several benefits can be obtained from using resveratrol. To date, it remains a very controversial subject with unanswered questions, while at the same time being widely promoted as a revolutionary supplement. Various studies support the claims of people who have used the product and find it to have given them health benefits.
Some of the benefits of using resveratrol range from weight loss to its ability to reduce ageing characteristics, as well as having cancer-fighting abilities. There has been a lot of research done over the years, where scientists are trying to find out how the mechanism actually works. One thing that is certain is that the compound contains antibiotic capabilities. Most of this research has been achieved through experimenting with laboratory animals, but has not been implemented or researched in human beings. Resveratrol has a wide therapeutic value, which is due to its antioxidant activity. This was found through various tests that produced a strong indication that it could be used to treat vascular disease. It was also found to produce a relaxation of the arteries walls (vassorelaxation), which could help patients guard against angina attacks, strokes, and heart attacks.
Another area where researchers indicated that resveratrol could be of benefit is in the fight against cancer. Research has shown that it is possible for it to prevent the growth of existing tumors as well as new ones from developing. During these continued studies, it has been noted that it may be able to effectively combat against cyclo-oxygenase (COX) by inhibiting it from suppressing the body’s immune surveillance. Studies have also found that resveratrol can inhibit all three stages of chemical carcinogenesis. These tests have only been carried out within a laboratory, and have not as of yet been tried on humans, thus are still in the research phase. The results from tests that were carried out revealed that it is possible for resveratrol to interfere with cancer development on several levels. These levels included the inhibition of cancer cells to grow, and the reversal of cancer cells back to normal.
Studies suggest that resveratrol may be able to promote weight loss through its ability to activate what is known as the SiRT1 gene. This particular gene becomes active when the body undergoes a strong diet such as a calorie restricted diet. When this happens, the chain will activate itself and protect cells and DNA from any oxidation or inflammation that may occur. This is important for those people who are looking to lose weight as they can take a resveratrol supplement in combination with their weight loss regimen. The effects of the resveratrol activated SiRT 1 gene will give them even more impetus to reach their weight loss goals. It is important to note that while the compound has the ability to help in losing weight, it must be done in conjunction with a proper diet regimen and exercises.
Another area that scientists and researchers are investigating is the ability of resveratrol to affect the longevity gene. Numerous studies done on mice found that placing middle-aged mice on a standard diet with resveratrol did not increase their longevity. However, those mice that were given resveratrol at an early stage showed positive signs of age-related and obesity related declines. It showed that good cholesterol levels had reduced significantly in none obese mice over a period of 10 months. Some of the other points noted were that treated mice had much healthier bones. They had more thickness, volume mineral content, and had much better bending stiffness when compared to non-treated mice. It was also found that older mice had reduced cataract formation. Studies also indicated that motor coordination in the older mice was improved significantly. Overall, the mice showed signs of better health but did not actually show any improvement in longevity when compared with mice on standard diets. There is still a significant amount of research that needs to be done before it can be confirmed that there is an improvement in longevity.
Further studies on resveratrol have shown that it may help in the reduction of blood sugar levels. A test was done using mice that were fed on a high calorie diet while at the same time taking resveratrol did not develop diabetes. There was also some research done in a small study of men who suffered from type II diabetes. It was found that after they took resveratrol, it improved the function of insulin in their body.
You can find resveratrol existing naturally in different parts, but it is primarily found in the skin of grapes. The amount that is found will depend largely on a number of factors such as its geographic origin, the amount of fungal infection, as well as the grape cultivar. Other foods that contain it are peanuts, although the amount that they contain ounce for ounce is about half that found in red wine.
One of the easier methods of obtaining resveratrol is through the use of supplements. There is a wide variety of companies that manufacture and sell resveratrol. Most of these brands will have an extract of unpurified Japanese knotweed. The amount of resveratrol that these contain is about 50% by weight. If this is taken in large quantities, it may cause a laxative effect.
It is important to remember that all of the research and studies performed by scientists regarding resveratrol has been performed on laboratory animals. This means that it has not been extensively researched on human beings, but it is supposed that the same effects may be applicable to humans. Research is still ongoing, and when there are any new developments, they will most likely be published in nutritional journals. The good news is that overall, the results do look quite promising up to now. Thank you for reading about resveratrol.
