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.
