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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 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.

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.

Investments boost Resveratrol research in Denmark

Monday, February 21st, 2011

A major investment into the research of anti-inflammatory supplements and medications will boost the number of clinical studies into the effects of Resveratrol on obesity, as well as disease prevention. The Danish Centre for Excellence will focus on research into both Resveratrol and anti-inflammatory products, thanks to a new partnership involving prominent academic institutions in both Denmark and the United States, including Pennsylvania State University and the University of Southern Denmark.

Dr. Steen Bonlokke Pedersen of Denmark’s Aarhus University is leading the clinical studies into Resveratrol’s effect on human health and disease prevention over a five year period. In addition to relying on researchers and resources from around the country, the study will also employ six PhD candidates.

The Danish study’s main emphasis will be examining how Resveratrol might help patients suffering from osteoporosis, as well as other chronic inflammatory conditions.

The five year clinical study was made possible when the Danish Council for Strategic Research announced that it would invest $3.4 million into resveratrol research. This forms part of the Danish medical community’s efforts to turn the country into a leader when it comes to resveratrol-related studies.

Inflammation can lead to wide range of serious health issues, including asthma, psoriasis, diabetes and a range of cardio-vascular conditions. The researchers affiliated with this new project also believe that quality research into resveratrol could help reduce instances of obesity in society, leading to a drop in health care costs.

Resveratrol used in new skin brightening product

Monday, February 21st, 2011

A cosmetics company based in Milan has found that Resveratrol may help to improve one's complexion by making skin look younger and brighter and evening out overall tone. DSM Personal Care new product, called Regu-Fade, uses natural Resveratrol, which taps into both melanin production, as well as melanosome transfer.

According to recent clinical tests, Resveratrol managed to regulate and reduce melanin production in many patients, which results in younger looking skin and a healthier skin tone. A major advantage to using Resveratrol in skin care is that it does not come with any health risks or serious side effects.

Resveratrol is a natural product, based on extracts from the skin of red grapes and studies suggest that it helps to stimulate cell activity in such a way as to reduce some of the most obvious signs of ageing, including deterioration in the tone and elasticity of one's skin. While it may take the extended use of Resveratrol to see noticeable improvements in the quality of one' skin, this natural supplement can have the profound effect on the face and hands, two of the areas that are effected most by the ageing process. In both cases, Resveratrol can help reduce wrinkles as the skin loses its elasticity.

There has been growing interest in how Resveratrol might be able to slow many of the signs of ageing and media interest in this issue has helped spark broader awareness of this important supplement. Both Oprah and 60 Minutes have featured it on their shows.

Blueberries show promise in protecting heart

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

Blueberries could strengthen blood vessels against oxidative stress that may lead to heart disease, says new research – news that could boost already impressive sales.

The results of the new study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry(Vol 17, pp 109-116), add to the other reports in the literature linking the berry to lowering cholesterol, and protecting against cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

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