(DrEddyClinic News) Propelled to fame as a result of a multitude of studies investigating the phytochemical properties of plant materials, resveratrol more than lives up to its reputation. This very unique antioxidant http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=32801 has been called a fountain of youth for its effectiveness against a variety of age-related diseases. In this post, we’re going to explore 7 facts about resveratrol including what it is and why you should get it regularly from your diet.
1. What Is It?
Resveratrol http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=6595 is a phenolic compound, a stilbene, created by plants in response to injury, infection, and fungal attack http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=34505. It exists in two forms, the trans- and cis- molecule forms, with trans-resveratrol being the highly-absorbable form. The compound is regarded as having powerful antioxidant effects, thereby supporting health at the cellular level.
2. Unique Antioxidant
Unlike other antioxidants, resveratrol crosses the blood-brain barrier, offering support for the brain and nervous system. This allows for positive, direct support for neural health http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=33268. A recent placebo-controlled study of 23 older adults observed significant improvements in memory among participants taking resveratrol, with the additional benefit of improved glucose metabolism. [1]
3. Mimics Caloric Restriction
Reducing calories by 30% supports health and longevity by stimulating low-level biological stressors. Resveratrol stimulates the creation of adiponectin, the same hormone observed to increase in individuals practicing caloric restriction http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=119&t=32820. [2] This hormone promotes metabolic and cardiovascular health through weight loss, lipid metabolism, and the regulation of blood sugar levels. Although the long-term effects of caloric restriction in humans continues to be evaluated, it has shown to advance longevity by 40% or more in some species.
4. Suppresses Inflammation
Numerous studies have noted resveratrol’s ability to reduce oxidative stress from free radical damage. One 2011 placebo-controlled study evaluated the response of 20 human volunteers (10 in each group) to resveratrol and placebo over 6 weeks of treatment. Those in the test group enjoyed reduced oxidative stress and lower levels of inflammation http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=31516 commonly associated with numerous age-related diseases. [3]
5. Increases Testosterone Levels in Men
Research indicates resveratrol positively affects fertility and reproductive function in men. One study using animal models reported increased blood testosterone levels in supplemented groups. [4] While this is good news for men of reproductive age, older men could possibly benefit as well. Testosterone http://bit.ly/testosterone-support strengthens bones, increases muscle mass, and encourages a positive outlook in men.
6. Positive Effects on Estrogen Levels
Women who consume resveratrol appear to enjoy their own benefits. A study of 34 postmenopausal women taking 1 gram of resveratrol daily for 12 weeks reported improvements in estrogen metabolism and an increase of SHBG (steroid hormone binding globulin). [5] SHBG enables the body to make better use of the availability of sex hormones already present. In essence, this study suggests resveratrol may support hormone balance.
7. Sources of Resveratrol
Major dietary sources include red wine, chocolate http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=33069, grapes, and peanuts. Unfortunately, only 25% of resveratrol from dietary sources is bioavailable due to its quick metabolizing rate. [6] Supplements may offer more concentrated values, making a greater amount of this anti-aging antioxidant available to cells.
What are your thoughts on resveratrol? Do you take antioxidant supplements? Please let us know your opinions in the comments!
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
1. Witte AV1, Kerti L2, Margulies DS3, Flel A4. Effects of resveratrol on memory performance, hippocampal functional connectivity, and glucose metabolism in healthy older adults http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24899709. J Neurosci. 2014 Jun 4;34(23):7862-70. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0385-14.2014.
2. Renes J1, Rosenow A2, Roumans N2, Noben JP3, Mariman EC2. Calorie restriction-induced changes in the secretome of human adipocytes, comparison with resveratrol-induced secretome effects http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24802182. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Sep;1844(9):1511-22. doi: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.04.023.
3. Ghanim H1, Sia CL, Abuaysheh S, et al. An antiinflammatory and reactive oxygen species suppressive effects of an extract of Polygonum cuspidatum containing resveratrol http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20534755. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Sep;95(9):E1-8. doi: 10.1210/jc.2010-0482.
4. Sunhee Shin, Jeong Hee Jeon, Dongsun Park, et al. Trans-resveratrol relaxes the corpus cavernosum ex vivo and enhances testosterone levels and sperm quality in vivo http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12272-008-1124-7. January 2008, Volume 31, Issue 1, pp 83-87, 26 Mar 2008.
5. Chow HH1, Garland LL, Heckman-Stoddard BM, et al. A pilot clinical study of resveratrol in postmenopausal women with high body mass index: effects on systemic sex steroid hormones http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25115686. J Transl Med. 2014 Aug 14;12:223. doi: 10.1186/s12967-014-0223-0.
6. Wenzel E1, Somoza V. Metabolism and bioavailability of trans-resveratrol http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15779070. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2005 May;49(5):472-81.
No comments:
Post a Comment