Grapes, red wine, and peanuts all contain an antioxidant compound known as resveratrol. Resveratrol is a water soluble chemical that has been linked to a number of health benefits in numerous university and laboratory studies. Because its source is derived primarily from grapes and red wines, scientists developed a keen interest in this compound as a way of explaining the phenomena known as the French Paradox.
For years, scientists and health experts have thought that there is compelling evidence to suggest that a moderate intake of alcohol, and in particular red wine, may provide some protections against cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have also shown that antioxidants in red wine, called polyphenols, may be beneficial in reducing inflammation of the lining in blood vessels within our hearts (see article on the Isagenixhealth.net website for sources).
Red Wine, Grapes, And Polyphenols
Resveratrol appears to be the primary polyphenol responsible for these heart-healthy benefits. And because this ingredient is prevalent in red wines, it represents a reasonable answer as to why the French, with their rich, high-fat diets, have such a low incidence of cardiovascular disease.
What makes resveratrol so interesting is that the studies conducted so far have shown that the benefits linked to this compound are not limited to just coronary heart disease. These studies are also showing that resveratrol has tremendous promise in the fight against obesity, aging, inflammation, and quite possibly even cancer.
Clinical Studies On Humans Can Take 40+ Years
To date, all of the clinical studies conducted have been within controlled cultures or on laboratory animals. These studies have shown significant slowdowns in the growth of cancer cells, as well as an increase in lifespans with mice on high-calorie diets. The leap from petri dish to mammal may be impressive, but the jump from laboratory mice to humans is entirely something else due to the 40+ years a true longevity study would require.
The increased lifespan studies conducted on overfed mice is not insignificant however, due to the unique way that resveratrol alters the body’s hormonal and chemical response to a high-calorie diet. Scientists have known for years that a calorie restricted diet in most animal species results in a significant increase in the subject’s lifespan. Because these studies have been conclusive in more advanced animal species, it is generally accepted that a low-calorie diet will also increase the longevity in humans as well.
Resveratrol Mimics The Calorie Reduced Effect
When fed a low-calorie diet over time, our bodies produce a homologous human enzyme known as sirt1. When higher concentrations of sirt1 are found in the blood, our body’s metabolism increases, causing more calories to be burned than when sirt1 levels are low. Resveratrol causes the body to produce more of this enzyme on its own. In effect, simulating a caloric restricted state.
This study, in and of itself, is fascinating as it suggests that not only could this compound increase our lifespan, it can also increase our metabolism and help with weight loss at the same time. Of course, these benefits remain a bit speculative at the human level because of the time involved in completing these studies… but the results seem quite promising nevertheless.
The Manufacturing Process Affects The Absorption Rate
Part of the problem with using resveratrol is that the synthetic versions and some processing methods cause the compound to metabolize too quickly when consumed, reducing the bioavailability of it. If our bodies cannot absorb this supplement at the recommended levels, then it simply passes through our system and is unusable.
The type of grape used and the processing method at the laboratory and packaging level should be researched, so that you are using a product that can be readily absorbed by your body. Be sure to select a quality, recommended nutritional company when it comes to this compound in particular.