Age eventually conquers all. As our bodies age, we undergo a significant transformation in cell structure, hormones, bone and muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. This recipe is added to by the potential for heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s, and cancer. All in all, not a pretty picture.
Yet, some people age better than others, and live a long healthy life. Scientists have proven that diet, exercise, mental activity and nutritional supplements can not only prolong life, but also can allow us to lead healthier lives. To understand that people have accepted these discoveries, one need only look at the explosive growth in health foods, organic foods, and nutritional supplements.
Researchers have known since the 1930s that organisms, animals, and even humans can live a longer, healthier lives through calorie restriction, which activates “survival genes” later discovered to be sirtuin (SIRT) genes and enzymes. Most recently, discoveries by Dr. Joseph Baur and Dr. David Sinclair at Harvard Medical School in 2006, coupled with many follow on studies, have shown that there are natural plant extracts that can activate sirtuins and mimic calorie restriction, without having to dramatically restrict calorie intake.
These natural plant extracts were discovered after investigating over 20,000 compounds. Nineteen (19) of these compounds (all polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties) were identified, and 17 are found in red wine grapes, including Resveratrol and Quercetin. Futhermore, it has been proven that the combination of these polyphenols allow them to remain in the blood stream, and in contact with cells longer after being ingested.
Studies on fish, mice, and worms and flies have shown that lifespan, and healthy lifespan, can be prolonged by 60%, 25%, and 30% respectively using Resveratrol and a normal calorie diet.
Resveratrol is “all the rage” these days, and is growing in leaps and bounds in terms of its inclusion in supplements, foods, etc. It should again be noted that while Resveratrol has the highest SIRT gene activation, other polyphenols found in red wine grapes, are not far behind, and work in concert with Resveratrol.
Latest Medical Research
Extensive medical research has been conducted by university professors, pharmaceutical companies, and nutraceutical companies into the medical benefits of red wine extracts, Quercetin, and Resveratrol.
These studies have shown many health benefits including: anti-inflammation, blood thinning and reduced risk for artery clotting (anti-coagulant), normalization of blood sugar (for diabetes), increase mental capacity and memory, increase in strength and endurance, removal of amyloid-beta protein that causes brain damage associated with Alzheimer’s, and even the inhibition of many types of cancers (lung, colon, skin, liver and pancreatic).
Can it really be that all of these age-related issues may be dealt with using simply plant polyphenols compounds? Quite possibly, the answer is yes.
Red Wine and Resveratrol Supplements
There are hundreds of Resveratrol supplements on the market today, but it should be remembered that they are not all created equal. Three things are very important to consider when choosing a Resveratrol-containing supplement.
Mixed-polyphenols. Resveratrol supplements should include a healthy dose of Quercetin and red wine grape extracts (remember 17 polyphenols in red wine grapes were found to activate SIRT survival genes).
According to Dr. Joseph Maroon in an article published by Bottom Line Health, in September 2009 (The Simple Supplement that May Prevent killer Diseases – All about resveratrol), “because Resveratrol absorption is thought to be enhanced when combined with other natural polyphenols, a mixed-polyphenol supplement is best.” [Dr. Maroon is a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and author of The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life
High Resveratrol Dosage. Scientific studies in both animals and humans have shown that a high Resveratrol dosage is required to activate sirtuins. A daily dosage of 300 – 500 mg is recommended from data in both human studies, and animal studies (which calculate equivalent human dosages). Furthermore, studies reviewed by the FDA have shown no toxicity to humans even at dosages in the 5,000 mg range and beyond.
Dr. James Smoliga studied humans in 2006, giving them a dosage of 400 mg of Resveratrol along with red wine grape extracts. His studies showed a marked improvement in strength, memory, and endurance.
Resveratrol Quality. Not all Resveratrol is created equal. The best Resveratrol is from polygonum cuspidatim (Japanese Knotweed), and is at least 98% pure trans-Resveratrol. Many products use only 20% or 50% purity ingredients. Supplements claims of “pure resveratrol” are meaningless without the percentage of purity. If the label doesn’t list the purity, you don’t know what you’re getting. Read the supplement labels and website specifications of products.
Furthermore, the nutraceutical supplement should be manufactured in a processing plant that has important certifications including FDA, TGA, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), which ensure the supplement contains to contaminants and undergoes extensive testing. Again, check the websites.
In addition to taking a high-quality nutraceutical supplement, it is highly recommended that people maintain a balanced diet, average weight, exercise, avoid smoking, and eat foods rich in antioxidant polyphenols including red wine, grape juice, dark chocolate, green tea, and blueberries.
Medical science has grown exponentially over the last century. During that period, the average lifespan of humans has increased an average of 3 months each year, or 30 years total. Current advancements in nutrition, such as the discovery of Resveratrol, Quercetin, and red wine grape polyphenols may be a key ingredient to continued advancements in longevity research leading to longer, healthier lives.
Kelli McCarty reviews 2 red wines and talks about life in showbiz episode 2 P2/2
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