Brandon Tietz
SOC 400
Mitch Aagard
Stevens-Henager College
Anti-Aging and the Benefits of Resveratrol in Red Wine
In a study carried out by Harvard professor, Dr. David Sinclair, he tested the effects of the compound Resveratrol in mice, a compound found in red wine. He “argued that the phytonutrient worked its magic by ‘turning on’ the SIRT1 gene, one of a family of genes called the Sirtuins.” (Healy, 2012). It is believed to control the good function and longevity of cells.
Sinclair bred a mouse that was able to live without the SIRT1 gene; testing mice with and without the SIRT1 gene, he found that the SIRT1 gene is necessary to receive any benefits from Resveratrol. The mice …show more content…
that had the gene, “responded to Resveratrol with improved vascular and metabolic function, reduced inflammation and overall, cells that use fuel and clean up waste more efficiently.” (Healy, 2012). Understanding how Resveratrol works should enable the development of more potent medications that could prevent diseases of aging more efficiently.
In another study, assistant professor of pharmacology at Duquense University, Jane Cavanaugh, and other researchers found that Resveratrol may prevent seniors from taking falls; though, if a person were try to reach the same effect as the study, they would have to drink approximately 700 bottles of wine.
This finding suggests that the chemical could be concentrated into a more correct dosage, and used in a supplement form in the future. “Our study suggests a natural compound like resveratrol, which can be obtained either through dietary supplementation or diet itself, could actually decrease some of the motor deficiencies seen in our aging population,” said Jane Cavanaugh, told the Telegraph. “And that would, therefore, increase an aging person 's quality of life and decrease their risk of hospitalization due to slips and falls.” (Besant, …show more content…
2012).
Besides balance and cell longevity, the antioxidant has been shown to provide many important health benefits, such as 1) wrinkles: it works to cleanse the body of pollutants and other contaminants, 2) weight loss: by breaking down stored fat in the body, and also is believe to have 3) cancer fighting characteristics: by inhibiting the growth of existing tumors – and preventing the growth of new ones.
Red wine seems to be the hot topic when talking about the benefits of Resveratrol, but there are many other foods out there that have this chemical. Foods like red grapes, peanuts and peanut butter, cocoa powder and dark chocolate, mulberries, and blueberries all seem to be a great source of this antioxidant. White wine has less Resveratrol, because the chemical is found mainly in the skin of the grape; red wine is fermented with the grape skins. (Outlet, 2012)
Though red wine and grape skins are mainly the first thing to mind when you talk about Resveratrol, there is a root known as Japanese Knotweed that provides a more concentrated source of the antioxidant, and is preferred over grape skins by many dietary supplement manufacturers, due to its ability to be grown year round. It was once found only in Asia, but is now cultivated around the world for its high qualities of
Resveratrol.
References
Besant, A. (2012, Aug 22). Red wine helps old people stay agile, study says. Retrieved Jan 21, 2013, from Global Post: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/120822/red-wine-helps-old-people-stay-agile-study-says
Healy, M. (2012, May 1). Resveratrol 's anti-aging potential gets a boost in study. Retrieved Jan 22, 2013, from Los Angeles Times: http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/01/news/la-heb-resveratrol-20120501 n/a. (n/a, n/a n/a). Resveratrol Benefits: Learn About Resveratrol for Anti Aging and Weight Loss. Retrieved Jan 22, 2012, from Resveratrol Benefits: http://www.resveratrolbenefits.com/benefits.html
Outlet, C. (2012, Sep 22). 5 Foods That Contain Resveratrol. Retrieved Jan 22, 2013, from Eat This!: http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/5-foods-that-contain-resveratrol.html