Benefits of Resveratrol 

“Let food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be food”, Hippocrates.

Research Studies Show:

Curently, medical researchers have found Reservatrol to inhibit the onset of many different conditions, and may even be a viable supplement to treatment.

The Prevention of Heart Disease :
As a leading cause of death worldwide, heart disease poses a risk for everyone. The Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University states that Resveratrol has been found to improve cardiovascular performance(1)and is known to be a metal chelator, which prevents the absorption of copper (copper deficiency is a potential cause of heart failure). Reservatrol's high antioxidant properties may also help sustain the heart's oxygen supply, prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and stop the constriction of blood vessels. According to the Mayo Clinic, Resveratrol has also been found to neutralize "bad" LDL cholesterol while increasing "good" HDL cholesterols, substantily decreasing the risk of artery blockage and heart attacks(2).

Cancer:
Second to Heart Disease Cancer as a leading cause of death, is speculated to be the number-one cause of death worldwide by 2010. However, in various studies reviewed by the National Institute of Health, leading research
ers found that Resveratrol inhibits the growth of many types of cancer cells, including leukemia, skin and prostate cancers, and reduces the incidence of tumors(3). As a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), Resveratrol has the capability to act as an alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy, which is known to increase the risk of breast cancer(4).

Resveratrol has also been known to reduce the activation of NF kappa B, a protein produced by a compromised immune system that can affect the growth of cancer cells(5).

Losing Weight:
Nowadays, more people are fighting the battle of the bulge. One of the body's reactions to dieting is to activate the SiRT1 gene, which breaks down stored fat and increases energy levels. A study done at the University of Wisconsin
found Resveratrol to have the same effect on SiRT1 without the significant calorie cuts(6). Including Resveratrol as a supplement to a healthy food plan may promote losing weight without giving up the foods you enjoy. Weight loss and calorie reduction have also been proven as the most effective anti-aging regimen, meaning that those who take Resveratrol may look fitter and feel younger. 


Blood Sugar:
According to the American Diabetes Association, 7.8% of Americans are Diabetic, which is a dysfunction in regulating blood sugar levels.  Others suffer from hypo- or hyperglycemia, both of which also involve irregular blood sugar. New studies show that the Resveratrol can affect the enzymes involved in regulating glucose (blood sugar), and may be a key factor in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels(7). The same study also found that Resveratrol normalized the level of enzymes in liver and kidney tissues that were lowered as a result of Diabetes. Scientists at the Peninsula Medical School in England found that Resveratrol offers protection to blood vessels against cellular damage as the result of high glucose levels associated with Diabetes(8). Researchers suggest that Resveratrol has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of Diabetes in years to come.

Immune System:
International medical guru Dr. Mehmet Oz advises to include Resveratrol as a part of their daily regimen, due to its ability to slow down aging of the immune system.  A healthy immune system offers protection from diseases and infections, resulting in increased energy and a longer, happier life.

 

Life Span:
Since 2003, the Extended Life Foundation has conducted research on the effects of Resveratrol on longevity and disease prevention.  Resveratrol was found to extend the life span of certain cells up to 70% and the results have been constant to date(9). Its ability to mimic the effects of calorie restriction, to boost the immune system and prevent a variety of diseases are all indicators that Resveratrol may to increase life span and quality of life.

Kidney Diseases:
When cells get exhausted, the production of enzymes goes kaput, resulting in renal failure, Ischemia or tissue damage in the kidneys. The Peninsula School in England found Resveratrol to assist cells in the production of enzymes preventing kidney diseases and even restore damaged kidneys to good condition(10).                                         

Sperm Count:

Low sperm count could be due to an overproduction of estrogen. Too much estrogen causes men an increase in body fat, a drop in strength and muscle mass, breast tissue growth and even a decrease in the production of testosterone, which means - you guessed it - a lower sperm count(11). However, studies has shown Resveratrol as an estrogen blocker that decreases body fat and increases sperm production.


Pancreatitis:
The overproduction of proteins (called cytokines) can cause diseases such as Pancreatitis.  Resveratrol has been shown to regulate the production of proteins and also to prevent blockages of blood flow in the arteries, which can prevent Pancreatitis and even benefit those suffering from it(12).

Scientists claim that Resveratrol is a key ingredient to healthy living.


Sources:
1. Hingdon, Jane. Resveratrol. Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Research for Optimum Health, 2005. Updated 2008 by Drake, Victoria J.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Red Wine and Resveratrol: Good for your Heart? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), 2009.
3. National Cancer Institute Staff. Red Wine and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet. National Cancer Institute (part of U.S. National Institutes of Health), 2002.
4. Chan, Franky L., Chen, Shiuan, Lee, Kai Woo, Leung, Lai K. and Wang, Yun. The Red Wine Polyphenol Resveratrol Displays Bilevel Inhibition on Aromatase in Breast Cancer Cells. Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology, 2006.
5. Aggarwal, B.B., Manna, S.K., Mukhopahyay, A. Resveratrol suppresses TNF-induced activation of nuclear transcription factors NF-kappa B, activator protein-1, and apoptosis: potential role of reactive oxygen intermediates and lipid peroxidation. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2000.
6. Borra, Margie T., Denu, John M., Smith, Brian C. Mechanism of Human SIRT1 Activation by Resveratrol. J. Biological Chemistry, Vol. 280, Issue 17, April 29, 2005.
7. Harvard Medical School Staff. Small Molecule Increases Lifespan and �Healthspan of Obese Mice. Harvard Medical School Office of Public Affairs.
8. Lu, C., Bambang, I.F., Armstrong, J.S., Whiteman, M. Resveratrol blocks high glucose-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production in bovine aortic endothelial cells: role of phase 2 enzyme induction. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, April 2008.
9. Barclay, Laurie M.D. Growing Evidence Links Resveratrol to Extended Life Span. Life Extension, March 2007.
10. Gould, Andrew. Resveratrol In Grape Skins Could Stop Diabetic Complications Such As Heart Disease, Retinopathy And Nephropathy. Medical News today, March 2008.
11. Ballester, Joan, Juan, M. Emilia, Gonzalez-Pons, Eulalia, Planas, Joana M., Munuera, Thais. Resveratrol, a Natural Antioxidant from Grapes, Increases Sperm Output in Healthy Rats. The American Society for Nutritional Sciences, April 2005.
12. Agrewala, J.N., Chopra, K., Kulkarni, S.K., Sharma, S. Resveratrol and Curcumin Suppress Immune Response through CD28/CTLA-4 and CD80 Co-stimulatory Pathway. British Society for Immunology, 2006.