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Study Suggests That Resveratrol May Be Key In Ageing Process

Monday, March 14th, 2011

 

A study conducted on mice in the United States suggests that resveratrol, a powerful anti-oxidant available in the form of a capsule, may help improve the overall health among the elderly. Research published by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) shows that resveratrol may play a similar role in the ageing process among mammals as when someone maintains a very well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

While NIA scientists emphasize that the study focused on resveratrol’s impact on mice and added that a range of other environmental factors influence the health of humans, there is reason to believe that resveratrol supplements may help ageing adults.

According to NIA director Richard J. Hodes, resveratrol “mimics” many of the positive effects of maintaining restricted calorie diet over an extended period of time. The NIA’s study took a group of mice on a restricted diet and another which consumed regular food. Scientists then added high doses of resveratrol to the equation and found that cholesterols levels had been noticeably reduced in obese mice the decline in cardiovascular function had slowed. In particular, the study found healthier aortas in mice that had received doses of resveratrol, as well as lower instances of inflammation.

But these, however, were just some of the health benefits that NIA scientists detected among mice that had been given resveratrol. Many displayed improved bone health, better motor coordination, as well as a lower risk of cataract and other diseases related to their vision. 

New Resveratrol Capsules Introduced In Britain

Monday, March 14th, 2011

 

Biotivia, the makers of a range of health supplements, begin distributing a new brand of resveratrol capsules through Nutri Centre stores in February, which some in the media have dubbed the “wine pill.” Produced from grape skins, resveratrol capsules offer those suffering from a range of chronic conditions, as well as all health-conscious Britons, a high dose of anti-oxidants in an easy to consume format.

The new resveratrol supplements will be available in the UK at a rate of approximately £1 per day—as they come in packages costing approximately £30 on the Biotivia website—making this an economical complement to a healthy, nutritious diet. When combined with healthy eating practices, resveratrol can help combat health problems associated with obesity.

Some researchers also suggest that resveratrol benefits may include reducing deposits of fatty substances along the walls of arteries, which is one of the serious consequences of high cholesterol.

Doctors suggest that daily doses of up to 50mg of resveratrol serve as the healthiest and safest option for patients, even though significantly larger doses were given to animals during initial studies of the anti-oxidant’s benefits

Studies show that even if resveratrol may not solve the increasingly significant problem of obesity, it can help manage or reduce its side effects. For instance, the resveratrol capsule may help decrease arterial inflammation and potentially reduce the risk of blood clots.

Dr Alex Barber, a general practitioner based in Hampshire, referred to resveratrol supplements as a “good gamble,” noting the positive impact on blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity. 

Resveratrol shown in study to combat aging

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

A recent study from Italian research center, Scuola Normale Superiore, tested to see if resveratrol could prolong the lifespan of some short lived vertebrates such as mice and fish.

The researchers used the short-lived seasonal fish, Nothobranchius furzeri, which has a maximum lifespan of 13 weeks in captivity. Short lifespan in this species is not the result of genetic mutations, but a natural trait associated with the necessity to breed in a short lived environment and tied with accelerated development and expression of ageing biomarkers at a cellular level. Resveratrol was added to the food starting in early adulthood and caused a dose-dependent increase of median and maximum lifespan.

The results confirmed that regular doses of resveratrol extended the life expectancy of the test subjects by over 30%. This is giving credence to the notion that resveratrol could be beneficial in extending the lifespan of humans.

Resveratrol is a compound found in many plants and berries, including grapes. It is a naturally occurring phytoalexin that is activated when the plant is under threat from pathogens and fungus – basically like our own immune system. It first started to gain notoriety when Dr Sinclair, from Harvard University, published a study in Nature magazine proclaiming that resveratrol activated the SIRT 1 gene in yeast and extended its life span significantly.

The SIRT 1 gene is considered to be the genetic marker that is responsible for organically regulating the body’s response to caloric restriction. The data from these studies iterates the results from the National Institute of Aging, confirming that when resveratrol is introduced to the diet, it can extend the life span of short lived species by activating sirtuins.

James Betz, founder and CEO of world leading resveratrol firm, Biotivia, said: “Again we are finding more and more compounds that are naturally occurring in nature which highlight the fact that we could find a cure for most age related
conditions. We have been collaborating in many studies with a number of prestigious medical institutions including Northumbria University and the Albert Einstein Medical Center using our Transmax resveratrol supplement, the most efficacious, purest and potent resveratrol supplement being made. The results from these studies and trials have been nothing short of astonishing and are proving beyond a doubt that resveratrol’s role in health care will increase as we learn more about its properties.”

To read more about resveratrol please visit http://www.biotivia.com

Resveratrol Popularity Grows Internationally

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Resveratrol has always been found naturally in red and white grapes, as well as in cranberries and pomegranates.  However its increasing availability in the form of an easily digestible pill supplement is testimony to its rapidly increasing popularity, in both Europe and North America.

While Resveratrol may not be used a miracle cure for serious disease and illnesses, it can help people seeking to live in healthier manner. For instance, sports enthusiasts may find that taking a Resveratrol supplement before tournaments or any form of strenuous activity can give an all-important boost in energy levels. Some studies suggest that one of the reasons why Resveratrol helps increase energy levels and also increase mental clarity and attentiveness is due to its positive impact on sleep patterns.  This impact upon sleep in turn ensures that many who take this supplement are well rested by the time they wake in the morning.

Others point to Resveratrol’s potential ability to make people look and feel more youthful, especially by invigorating facial skin.

While Resveratrol has many benefits, some who take the supplement have also registered a small handful of side effects. Specialists note that many of these reported side effects are anecdotal, meaning that they have not generally been confirmed in scientific studies. These include mild cramping and occasional diarrhoea; although these are more commonly reported when higher concentrations of the supplement are taken.

Resveratrol May Lead to a Decrease in Body Fat

Monday, March 7th, 2011

New research conducted by academics in Spain suggests that Resveratrol might be part of the solution for those looking to reduce their body fat and have a healthier body mass index the next time they visit their doctor.

Scholars affiliated with the University of the Basque Country explored Conjugated Linoleic Acid (LCA) and Resveratrol's combined effect on the body fat of overweight patients.

Arrate Lasa published a thesis on this topic and found that both CLA and Resveratrol have helped to reduce fat in subjects. The experiment relied on both living beings, as well as studies on its effect in vitro.

Lasa's team discovered that both substances can help to prevent further weight gain, even if they were not able to ascertain Resveratrol's impact on weight loss, in the case of people suffering from obesity. Scientists note that Resveratrol is lipopenic, meaning that it can reduce the amount of lipids in a patient's blood.

The scientists based their experiment in part on the effects of Resveratrol and CLA on hamsters, taking note of the effect that these two substances had on both accumulated fat, as well as on further weight gain. In all cases, the hamsters were subjected to significantly reduced levels of physical activity in order to test the impact of these two substances.  Additionally potential weight loss was not allowed to occur due to any other external factors.

When compared to each other, Resveratrol seems more efficient in treating people suffering from obesity, due in large part to the fact that it reduces triglycerides levels.

Acai extracts show brain health and cognitive potential

Monday, March 7th, 2011

A recent study carried out by the USDA’s National Center on Aging has suggested that extracts from acai may help to protect the brain as we age by assisting the microglia defense cells in cleaning up the degraded brain cells.

This mechanism is called autophagy and it takes the toxic proteins and recycles them. As people age, this system declines but the research suggests that the potent extracts of acai can help to enhance the process, leading to healthier cognitive function.

Açai berries have been used by the Riebeirihnos, the Amazons ‘river dwellers for hundreds of years and has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties thanks to the high level of anthocyanins, which are part of the flavanoid family.

The results presented in San Diego indicated that extracted fractions of the açai pulp protected against the release of pro-inflammatory compounds including COX-2 and TNF-alpha. The researchers commented that: “These results suggest that açai may contribute to ‘health span’ in aging, as it is able to combat some of the inflammatory and oxidative mediators of aging at the cellular level.”

James Betz, founder and CEO of bioceutical firm, Biotvia, said: “Its great to see more studies that investigate the healing potential of naturally occurring products. I think in this day and age more people are looking for traditional remedies rather than prescription medicines as they are proving just as effective in some instances. We have been producing herbal supplements for nearly 20 years that have a solid background in combating illnesses and maladies and have released Acai Bio Edge with the aim of giving your body the much needed antioxidant boost it requires, especially after all the seasons festivities and the over indulgence that comes with it.”

Acai Bio Edge has an ‘off the scale’ antioxidant level. Packed full of minerals, oils and nutrients, this berry, when combined with Resveratrol is one of the strongest supplement of this range on the market. Only Biotivia protects the fruit from oxidation by a patented Active Packaging system and by adding Green Tea Extract.

Betz continues: “Our latest developments in the antioxidant market place has shown us to be an innovative forerunner, finding solutions and formulas that have full spectrum benefits for everyone. Our supplements are suitable for vegans, vegetarians and for all different religions”

To read more about Acai Bio Edge please visit http://www.biotivia.com/acaibioedge.html

Biotivia Launch The World’s First Pterostilbene Supplement

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Biotivia, a world leading manufacturer of bioceutical supplements for the medical and functional food markets, has released the world’s first high-potency Pterostilbene supplement. Called PteroMax, this multi-stilbene, multi-polyphenol complex has been modeled upon the work of the world’s top stilbene and resveratrol biologists and experts.

Pterostilbene, a molecule found in blue berries and other plants, is closely related to resveratrol. Scientific studies show it has potent health effects in the reduction of cholesterol and the improvement of cognitive function.

The scientific community are saying: “PteroMax is unquestionably the Platinum standard of chemo-protective and longevity supplements. Pterostilbenes are the most exciting and promising molecules to be investigated since the landmark study at Harvard on resveratrol. PteroMax is the only Pterostilbene supplement designed by health scientists to match the specific proportions and concentrations of this molecule shown to be most effective in published scientific studies.”

PteroMax is a revolutionary multi-stilbene supplement. It is bio-enhanced by the addition of a complex of polydatin, polyphenols from red wine grapes, green tea extract and trans-resveratrol. Bio enhanced means that more of the active compound enters one’s tissues and remains for a longer period of time. PteroMax contains 100mg of concentrated trans-pterostilbene. This is 200 times the amount contained in the only other supplement and is also the correct dosage corresponding to the studies and trials.

One prominent scientist stated in his review of the supplement recently: “The polyphenols in PteroMax are powerful antioxidants which greatly increase the bio-availability of the resveratrol in the blood and tissues and improve the potency and efficacy of the polydatin and pterostilbene. They also provide anti free-radical support and have shown extraordinary anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effects.”

To read more about PteroMax please visit http://www.biotivia.co.uk/pteromax.html

Resveratrol helps athletes compete mentally and physically

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Research into resveratrol, a nutrient found in red grapes and a natural supplement now available in the form of pills, can help athletes remain more alert during competitions and periods of intense physical activity.

New studies suggest that resveratrol can be an especially useful supplement for athletes involved in endurance sports, particularly swimming, bicycling and marathon running, as maintaining a high level of alertness is always necessary.

Some sports observers believe that professional athletes could benefit from resveratrol, but they also point out that the administration of this supplement would have to take place within a controlled environment, in order to ensure that teams and competitions do no perceive it to be a banned performance enhancing substance.

Specialists note that on top of a greater degree of alertness, resveratrol could also help athletes in motor coordination. This may not only be important immediately before or during major competitions, but also during practice, as it may allow them to combine motor coordination with the most effective techniques in any endurance sport.

Some do, however, fear that resveratrol might be so successful in improving performance among professional athletes that it moves the focus from competition and techniques to the most effective administration of natural enhancement supplements and other products.

Most of the research conducted into resveratrol's impact on motor coordination, alertness and the ability to manage extended periods of intense physical activity has been conducted on mice. As such, it may still take some time for scientists to come up with conclusive results on the supplement's impact on athletes.