The Benefits Of Resveratrol You Should Know About

A substance found naturally in skins of grapes as well as Japanese Knotweed (scientifically known as Polygonum cuspidatum) has been discovered to have the power to protect mice fed with high calorie and high fat diet from the adverse effects of obesity and other diet related diseases. Additionally, this raised the prospects that the compound could deliver the same health benefits to humans – helping them lead a healthier and longer life according to research. What is this substance you ask? It’s no other than resveratrol.

In a study conducted by Dr. Sinclair, who works for the Harvard Medical University, resveratrol made the difference between 2 groups that were fed with high calorie and high fat diet – the first one didn’t have any resveratrol supplement while the second one has.

This polyphenol found in grapes, berries, and other fruits allowed the group of mice to lead normal, healthier, and longer lives. Tests and studies revealed that the plant extract activated a host of genes that protects the test subjects from the effects of aging and neutralizing the negative effects on poor food choices and bad diet on the animals’ overall health and life span.

While a lot of work is needed to clarify the benefits and the safety levels of the said substance (which is now being sold on over the counter as a dietary supplement), the findings could lead to the much sought after goal of lengthening the maximum human life span as many experts say. Preliminary human tests and investigations are now underway and many are looking forward to the results. According to Dr. David A. Sinclair, a molecular biologist from the Harvard Medical University, who led the research – “We have been in search for something like this for like 100,000 years now. It could be just around the corner – a molecule that you could take through a single pill in order to slow down the diseases brought about by aging and keep you healthier as you age. The impact would definitely be HUGE!”

Needless to say, the findings of this study triggered excitement in scientists and experts who are studying the viscous cycle of aging and how to stop it; saying the findings are groundbreaking.

According to Stephen Helfand (who studies at Brown University’s molecular genetics of aging), this study conducted by Dr. David A. Sinclair represents highly probable major landmark – it really pushes things forward, breaking the limits that once restrained scientists from knowing more how to slow down or even stop aging. Very exciting indeed. This study, which has been published through the journal Nature, even explained the observations that have intrigued researchers for the longest time. That includes the French Paradox – why the French people have the lowest rates and occurrences of cardiovascular diseases despite feasting in foods that contain 3 times more saturated fat than the usual American diet.

Additionally, Leonard Guarente, studying the biology of aging at the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology said that this gives us hope. Calorie restriction back then (which is the only tried and tested way of prolonging one’s life) is nothing more than a fantasy. BUT with resveratrol, it can now become a reality. With enough research to back it up, it could create a new way to tackle aging – how to prevent it and how to treat the diseases brought by it. Previous studies have revealed that test subjects (lab animals like mice) low calorie diets led to longer and healthier lives. This prompted people to think that calorie restricted diet could be the possible fountain of youth even if the effectiveness of it is yet to be proven. Until before the discovery of resveratrol, many think that it’s next to impossible.

While the benefits of resveratrol are many, there is one thing you should keep in mind –don’t ever think that eating badly and leading a poor and unhealthy lifestyle could be made totally safe by simply taking resveratrol.

No, that is simply NOT the case. Note also that for you to get the benefits of resveratrol, you would need to take it at the right amounts. How much is enough? That’s what the research and studies are all about, it is yet to be determined. For now, taking trans resveratrol supplements and drinking red wine would be a very good start.