It can be hard to keep up with all the latest developments in the medical field, but if you're interested in aging and longevity, resveratrol is molecule worth looking at. In this article, we'll explore how this polyphenol works and how it might be able to help us extend the healthspan of humans.
What is resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol found in certain plants, such as grapes, and has been shown to have several health benefits. Plants produce resveratrol as part of their defense mechanism against harmful micro-organisms. One of the most promising health benefits in humans and animals is its ability to help fight aging and improve longevity.
While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, resveratrol is thought to work by activating certain enzymes involved in cellular repair and energy production, as well as by reducing inflammation. Additionally, resveratrol has been shown to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. David Sinclair and his research group discovered that part of the mechanism of action for resveratrol may be related to activation of sirtuins (SIRT1). The same pathway is also activated when restricting calories. Such low-calorie diets have been shown to extend lifespan in some animals. Additionally, SIRT1 is also thought to be involved in the beneficial effects of exercise.
Studies in both animals and humans have shown that resveratrol can help improve health and extend life span. In one study, mice given resveratrol lived longer than those in the control group and had less age-related tissue damage. Other studies have found that resveratrol may help improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
While more research is needed to confirm the potential health benefits of resveratrol, it seems clear that this compound has great potential for promoting longevity and preventing age-related diseases.
Where can you find resveratrol?
There are a few key places to look for resveratrol. One is in the skin of red grapes, and as such resveratrol is also present at various concentrations in red wine. Resveratrol may help to explain "the French paradox": despite having a high intake of saturated fats, the French population has a low incidence of coronary heart disease mortality. This could be linked to their consumption of red wine and this could explain why drinking red wine in moderation is considered beneficial for health. Not because of the alcohol, but rather of the presence of resveratrol. You can also find resveratrol in peanuts and some berries, but in much smaller concentrations than in grape skin.
Supplements are another way to get resveratrol, and they’re becoming more popular as people learn about the potential health benefits of this powerful antioxidant. Supplements can provide a more concentrated dose of resveratrol than you’d get from food sources alone, making them a good option for those who want to maximize the potential health benefits. Most oral supplements on the market use resveratrol derived from the Japanese Knotwood plant.
How does resveratrol work to fight aging?
Resveratrol was shown to increase the lifespan of yeast by 70%. Also in worms, fruit flies and some fish resveratrol was shown to have a positive impact on lifespan. In mice that were on calorie-rich diets, resveratrol was found to reverse the negative impact of their diet.
The exact mechanism by which resveratrol works to fight aging is not fully understood, but it is thought to work in several ways. First, it may help to protect cells and DNA from damage caused by oxidative stress. Second, it may stimulate the production of enzymes that help repair damaged cells (the sirtuins).
Finally, resveratrol may inhibit the production of inflammatory compounds that can contribute to the aging process.
While more research is needed to confirm the anti-aging effects of resveratrol, it shows promise as a natural way to keep your body looking and feeling young.
Resveratrol and cancer
As mentioned, resveratrol serves in plants to fight bacterial and fungal infections. It functions by blocking the growth of these pathogens. This raised the interest in using resveratrol as an anti-cancer agent, to inhibit and block the growth of cancer cells.
Research in cells has indeed shown that resveratrol can inhibit growth and proliferation in several human cancer cell lines, including breast, colon, liver, pancreatic, prostate, skin, thyroid, and lungs.
In humans, resveratrol has shown promising effects in patients with colon cancer and myeloma.
What are the benefits of taking resveratrol supplements?
Taking resveratrol supplements can help to protect your cells from damage and may even help to delay the aging process and fight off diseases.
Several studies have looked at the potential health benefits of resveratrol, and the results are promising.
One study found that resveratrol supplements could help to improve cognitive function in older adults. Another study found that resveratrol could help to reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. As mentioned above, resveratrol may also play a role in the prevention and inhibition of certain cancer cells.
So far, the majority of research on resveratrol has been done in animals, but the results are encouraging and suggest that taking resveratrol supplements may offer health benefits. If you’re looking for a way to protect your cells and fight aging, then taking resveratrol supplements may be worth considering.
Conclusion
As we age, it becomes increasingly important to take care of our bodies and mind. One way to do this is by incorporating longevity-enhancing supplements into our diet, like resveratrol. Resveratrol has been shown to fight aging in a variety of ways, from protecting our cells from damage to promoting healthy brain function. If you're interested in living a long and healthy life, adding resveratrol to your diet is a great place to start.