Living Life Full Power: Resveratrol

In recent years, medical researchers have found Resveratrol to inhibit the onset of many different conditions, and may even be a viable supplement to treatment.

Heart Disease Prevention

As a leading cause of death worldwide and the number-one cause of death in the United States, heart disease poses a risk for everyone. The Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University reports that Resveratrol has been found to improve cardiovascular performance(1)and is known to be a metal chelator, which prevents the absorption of copper (copper deficiency is a potential cause of heart failure). Reservatrol's high antioxidant properties may also help maintain the heart's oxygen supply, prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and stop the constriction of blood vessels. According to the Mayo Clinic, Resveratrol has also been found to neutralize "bad" LDL cholesterol while increasing "good" HDL cholesterols, dramatically lowering the risk of artery blockage and heart attacks(2).

Cancer Prevention

A close second to Heart Disease as a leading cause of death, Cancer is speculated to be the number-one cause of death worldwide by 2010. However, in a series of studies reviewed by the National Institute of Health, leading researchers found that Resveratrol inhibits the growth of many types of cancer cells, including leukemia, skin and prostate cancers, and reduces the incidence of tumors(3). As a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), Resveratrol has the potential to act as an alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy, which is known to increase the risk of breast cancer(4).

Resveratrol has also been found to reduce the activation of NF kappa B, a protein produced by a compromised immune system that can affect the growth of cancer cells(5).

Weight Loss

These days, more people than not are fighting the battle of the bulge. One of the body's responses to dieting is to activate the SiRT1 gene, which breaks down stored fat and increases energy levels. A study done at the University of Wisconsin found Resveratrol to have the same effect on SiRT1 without the dramatic calorie cuts(6). Including Resveratrol as a supplement to a healthy food plan may promote weight loss without sacrificing the foods you enjoy. Weight loss and calorie restriction have also been proven as the most effective anti-aging regimen, meaning that those who take Resveratrol may look fitter and feel younger.

Lowered Blood Sugar

According to the American Diabetes Association, 7.8% of Americans have Diabetes, a dysfunction in regulating blood sugar levels. Many others suffer from hypo- or hyperglycemia, both of which also involve irregular blood sugar. A new study suggests that the Resveratrol can affect the enzymes involved in regulating glucose (blood sugar), and may be a key factor in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels(7). The same study also found that Resveratrol was able to normalize the level of enzymes in liver and kidney tissues that were lowered as a result of Diabetes. Scientists at the Peninsula Medical School in England also discovered that Resveratrol offers protection to blood vessels against cellular damage as the result of high glucose levels associated with Diabetes(8). Researchers are confident that Resveratrol has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of Diabetes in years to come.

Boosted Immune System

International medical guru Dr. Mehmet Oz encourages his followers to include Resveratrol as a part of their daily regimen, due to its ability to slow down aging of the immune system. A healthy immune system offers protection from a variety of diseases and infections, resulting in increased energy and a longer, happier life.

Extended Life Span

Since 2003, the Extended Life Foundation has conducted research on the effects of Resveratrol on life extension and disease prevention. From the beginning, Resveratrol was found to extend the life span of certain cells up to 70% and the results have been constant to date(9). Its ability to mimic the effects of calorie restriction, to boost the immune system and prevent a variety of diseases are all indicators that Resveratrol may do much to increase life span and quality of life.

Sources

1. Hingdon, Jane. Resveratrol. Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health, 2005. Updated 2008 by Drake, Victoria J.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good for your Heart? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), 2009.
3. National Cancer Institute Staff. Red Wine and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet. National Cancer Institute (part of U.S. National Institutes of Health), 2002.
4. Chan, Franky L., Chen, Shiuan, Lee, Kai Woo, Leung, Lai K. and Wang, Yun. The Red Wine Polyphenol Resveratrol Displays Bilevel Inhibition on Aromatase in Breast Cancer Cells. Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology, 2006.
5. Aggarwal, B.B., Manna, S.K., Mukhopahyay, A. Resveratrol suppresses NF-induced activation of nuclear transcription factors NF-kappa B, activator protein-1, and apoptosis: potential role of reactive oxygen intermediates and lipid peroxidation. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2000.
6. Borra, Margie T., Denu, John M., Smith, Brian C. Mechanism of Human SIRT1 Activation by Resveratrol. J. Biological Chemistry, Vol. 280, Issue 17, April 29, 2005.
7. Harvard Medical School Staff. Small Molecule Increases Lifespan and Healthspan of Obese Mice. Harvard Medical School Office of Public Affairs.
8. Lu, C., Bambang, I.F., Armstrong, J.S., Whiteman, M. Resveratrol blocks high glucose-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production in bovine aortic endothelial cells: role of phase 2 enzyme induction. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, April 2008.
9. Barclay, Laurie M.D. Growing Evidence Links Resveratrol to Extended Life Span. Life Extension, March 2007.
10. Gould, Andrew. Resveratrol In Grape Skins Could Stop Diabetic Complications Such As Heart Disease, Retinopathy And Nephropathy. Medical News today, March 2008.
11. Ballester, Joan, Juan, M. Emilia, Gonzalez-Pons, Eulalia, Planas, Joana M., Munuera, Thais. Resveratrol, a Natural Antioxidant from Grapes, Increases Sperm Output in Healthy Rats. The American Society for Nutritional Sciences, April 2005.
12. Agrewala, J.N., Chopra, K., Kulkarni, S.K., Sharma, S. Resveratrol and Curcumin Suppress Immune Response through CD28/CTLA-4 and CD80 Co-stimulatory Pathway. British Society for Immunology, 2006

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