Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Resveratrol - The Elixir of Youth


The discovery of Resveratrol has caused a flurry of excitement amidst scientists and researchers. This is due to the fact that Resveratrol holds promise of longevity and defiance of premature aging.

Resveratrol is a member of stilbenes, a class of polyphenolic compounds. It is rich in flavonoids and has antioxidant, anti inflammatory and anti atherogenic impact. Some plants like Eucalyptus and knotweed produce stilbenes when they are exposed to stress, fungal infection, UV rays and injury. Resveratrol is also found in natural foods like grapes, blueberries, cranberries, bilberries, peanuts and the French red wine. An ounce of French Red wine contains 90 micrograms of Resveratrol. Since Resveratrol is found on the grape skins it is hardly present in white wines were the grape skins are discarded during preparation of the wine.

A study by the Harvard University on mice revealed that when Resveratrol was fed to mice on a high calorie diet, it reversed the enlarged liver conditions of the mice. The incidence of obesity, heart diseases and arteriosclerosis in these mice cause by their unhealthy diet was eliminated by Resveratrol. In fact Resveratrol augmented survival rates of mice on unhealthy diets by 31%. These mice also built up energy levels that the researchers compared to that of trained athletes. The study results have indicated that Resveratrol can treat aging related diseases.

Resveratrol works as an anti aging agent by targeting HDACs- histone deacetylase enzymes related to aging and life span control. Resveratrol has been found to be able to imitate the effects of calorie limitation; Resveratrol stimulates a gene called mammalian SIRT1 gene just as calorie restriction does. This gene promotes life span. Resveratrol activates AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) which is an enzyme that enhances insulin sensitivity and fatty acid oxidation. Resveratrol also kindles AMPK, which promotes longevity.

Resveratrol is rich in antioxidants. The Resveratrol antioxidants prevent photo aging and enhance skin freshness, softness and quality. These antioxidants destroy free radicals that cause premature aging. Resveratrol is hence great for skin care.

Resveratrol can boost your energy levels and give you the vigor and flexibility of youth.

Resveratrol can combat ailments related to natural aging process of your body. It makes blood vessels nonstick by slowing platelet formation. This improves blood flow and prevents cardiovascular diseases like Arteriosclerosis. Scientists are attributing the low incidence of cardio vascular diseases in French people, despite their fat rich conventional diet, to their prodigious consumption of French red wine which has Resveratrol. There is also a strong relation between Resveratrol and cholesterol. Proper intake of Resveratrol supplements helps in lowering cholesterol levels and eventually decreases the risks of heart attacks.

It has the ability to reduce blood sugar so it can prevent diabetes, an old age disease. Other cardio vascular benefits include augmented Nitric Oxide production, reduction of vasoactive peptides, diminishment of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, cyclooxygenase inhibition.

Resveratrol prevents Alzheimer's disease by breaking down beta-amyloid and by positively impacting neural tissues. It fights cancerous cells selectively without harming the healthy cells of the body. It is especially effective in blocking prostate cancer. It boosts anti cancer defenses and immunity of the body.



For more information Check out http://tr.im/hl5d
and as always keep smiling