The Magic Bullet

A study published in “Nature” about the anti-aging properties of Resveratrol has created great excitement. The world has been searching for the key to a longer life span. Resveratrol may be part of the solution. It is found in red wine which itself has been proven to help prevent heart attacks. More particularly, it is found in the skin of grapes, in peanuts, berries (such as blueberries, bilberries and cranberries), some pines, such as Scots pine and eastern white pine, and the roots and stalks of giant knotweed and Japanese knotweed.

The National Institute of Health with Harvard Medical School performed the study published in Nature. The study revealed that Resveratrol given to older mice would extend their lifespan by 20%. It also protected the mice from many of the diseases and conditions that occur at old age.

The most significant information from the study was that the benefits were just as good for the fat mice as for the skinny ones. This means that Resveratrol may have the same benefits that can be obtained from calorie restriction. Calorie restriction has shown life extension in many studies.

Nir Barzital, director of the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, who did not participate in the study, stated that the study does not prove that Resveratrol retards general aging, which isn’t considered a disease. Since the study is not over, the final results on age extension will be revealed when all the mice die that were in the study.

The study does not prove these results will be obtained by humans, of course; in addition, the amount of Resveratrol given to the mice was equivalent to at least 300 glasses of wine per day! Still, as this bioactive component is isolated and purified for supplement intake, perhaps Resveratrol may prove to help people with an insatiable appetite, enabling them to overcome many of the ill effects of overeating and still live an extended, healthy life.

Even more exciting is the research ongoing with stem cells which may produce complete body parts when the older ones age and wear out.

For the present, an extended life can best be achieved with a healthy lifestyle of exercise and nutrition. For more information on a healthy lifestyle, read my articles on ”Keys to Reaching the Century Mark” and “Alzheimer’s.”

Disclaimer: The material provided on this site is for educational purposes only and any recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of your physician. You are encouraged to seek advice from a competent medical professional regarding the applicability of any recommendations with regard to your symptoms or condition.

These products are dietary supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your health care provider before adding any substances to your diet or making any lifestyle changes. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.