Resveratrol: Health, Longevity and Youthfulness In One Little Pill

Resveratrol is one of the world's most exciting discoveries since the invention of antibiotics. Resveratrol has been studied for many years, but it wasn't until 2003 when scientists discovered that resveratrol extended the life span of yeast by as much as 70 percent. Since then, abundant and well-documented research shows this may translate to a long life and optimum health for humans.

The only efforts to extend life in humans have been Calorie Restriction. Calorie restriction has been shown to provide many anti-aging benefits in humans. Calorie restriction activates a protein in the Sirtuin family (SIRT1), which triggers a survival mechanism that extends life. Resveratrol mimics calorie restriction and thus, slows aging.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is found in the skin of grapes used for making red wine, blueberries, peanuts and pomegranates. It is produced naturally by some plants as a response to an environmental stressor such as an infection or fungus to the plant.

Resveratrol has many health benefits from slowing down the aging process to possibly preventing serious health problems such as: Heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease, reducing high blood pressure and inflammation. Resveratrol may also help promote weight loss.

Aging is the result of a lifetime of damage to the molecules that make-up our cells. They eventually wear-out and thus, our health declines. Resveratrol has demonstrated to create more efficient intracellular repair by providing significant antioxidant protection to the cell. This affects our health, our wellness and the aging process.

Resveratrol can be obtained through food but only to a minimal degree. For example, red wine contains resveratrol but to acheive an adequate level of protection, you would need to ingest 100 glasses of wine! Scientists feel that the health benefits of red wine may not be Resveratrol at all - but Tannins (Tannins are plant Polyphenals).

How much Resveratrol do you need? A minimum of 20 mg. of Trans-Resveratrol is sufficient. Trans-Resveratrol is preferred due to the bioavailability of this particular variety of Resveratrol. Research shows that even the smallest dosage favorably develops gene expression that may slow aging, protect against disease and extend life. Resveratrol is shown not to be toxic or cause adverse affects in humans. In a recent study, participants were given 5 grams of Resveratrol with no serious adverse affects.

Resveratrol is now becoming the darling of the media and for very good reason. With a healthful lifestyle that includes eating healthfully, exercise, stress reduction, and supplements including Resveratrol, we can all live a longer, more youthful, quality life.

Lori L. Shemek, PhD, CNC, CLC