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Mar 06
2007
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This antioxidant found in grapes activates an antiaging protein (SIR2)
that typically only comes into play if we're near starvation, concluded
a Harvard University study.
In studies, resveratrol increased the lifespan of animals by up to 70% and pros believe it may extend human life as well. Â
One suggested dosage is 15 mg per day -- the equivalent of 5-15 glasses
of wine (and more kind to your liver)! Certainly a smart choice for Kimkins dieters.
Here's more info courtesy of Safe Alternative Medicine, UK:
For
some time now grape seed extract has been known to strengthen and
repair connective tissue, and promote enzyme activity, but grapes are
currently a hot topic in the medical world because of a new compound.
Its name is resveratrol.
This
substance is one of a group of compounds (called phytoalexins) that
sudden environmental changes, such as bad storms, cause to take place
within certain plants.
The most abundant sources of resveratrol are Vitis vinifera, labrusca, and muscadine grapes, which are used to make wines.
Although
it is present in the vines, roots, and stalks of the plants, the
highest concentration is found in the in the skin of the grape, which
contains 50-100 micrograms per gram.
Since the manufacturing
process of red wine includes prolonged contact with grape skins, red
wine contains far higher amounts of resveratrol than white wine.
Resveratrol,
as well as the other polyphenols in wine, is thought to account in
large part for the so-called French Paradox - the finding that the rate
of coronary heart disease mortality in France is lower than observed in
other industrialized countries with a similar risk factor.
ANTI-AGING
Because of its anti-oxidant properties resveratrol may be able to slow down or reduce the effects of aging.
The
presence of free radicals in our system has for sometime been linked to
the aging process. Free radicals are single atoms or atom clusters with
an odd (unpaired) number of electrons.
This means they are
volatile, their unpaired electron causes free radicals to collide with
other molecules, hijacking them and snatching an electron. Once inside
the cell, they cause mutations in the DNA. This process continues in a
massive chain reaction.
Anti-oxidants fight and destroy free
radicals that accumulate in our bodies working to both slow down and
repair free-radical damage.
CARDIO-VASCULAR PROTECTION
Resveratrol is already well known for its cardio-vascular protective benefits.
It
helps to decrease platelet aggregation, and reduces serum lipids.
Controlled clinical studies suggest that resveratrol rich diets result
in reduced cardiovascular disease risk.
One of the serious
complications of free radical damage is hardening and thickening of
arteries; creating a vicious cycle of radicals, artery damage, and
narrowing due to scar tissue, which in turn, promotes more free radical
activity and more damage.
Resveratrol's antioxidant action helps
stop free radical damage and opens the arteries by enhancing nitric
oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas that enables smooth muscles to relax. This
relaxation of the smooth muscle also occurs in the walls of the blood
vessels and allows blood to flow smoothly through the vessel.
Resveratrol
has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and, therefore, may
be a potent nutrient in preventing cardiovascular disease.
It
has also shown to reduce the clumping of platelets. Thus, such
conditions as atherosclerosis and heart attacks, which are often caused
by arterial blockages, may potentially be reduced by this potent
substance.
CANCER
Current studies on animals have also
shown that resveratrol is effective during all three phases of the
cancer process: initiation, promotion and progression.
Resveratrol
has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and halted the activity of
the cyclooxygenase and hydroperoxidase enzymes (chemicals which promote
cancer cell growth). In addition, resveratrol was also not only able to
reduce development of leukaemia cells, which indicates that this
compound may also depress the progression phase of cancer.
Recently,
resveratrol has also been show to help the body fight cancer cells
during chemotherapy treatment. Finally, resveratrol was shown to
inhibit the development of tumours in animal mammary glands, which may
lead to the development of a treatment for breast cancer in the not so
distant future.
MORE RESEARCH
There is clearly still a
need for more research. At the moment little is known about the
absorption and elimination of resveratrol, or its effects on the liver.
Current
research on resveratrol has focused on its short-term effects and has
been dominated by in vitro studies on non-human models.
Finally,
its main dietary source is red wine. Not only is its concentration in
wine extremely variable, but recommending increased consumption of red
wine to boost resveratrol intake could certainly do more harm than good.
However,
resveratrol supplements are available. There is no RDA (recommended
daily allowance) set for resveratrol. Some experts advocate a sensible
dose of around 30 to 50 mgs.
No side effects have been reported
with the use of resveratrol. At the time of writing, there were no
well-known drug interactions with resveratrol.
