Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Red Wine and Resveratrol
Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and antioxidants present in the skins of the red grapes used to make the wine may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of "good" cholesterol and protecting against artery damage. Red wine has a number of other benefits, too - a glass or two of red wine may increase a woman's libido and women who are light drinkers gain less than non-drinkers.
What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is a phytonutrient called a polyphenol. It is found in wine, the skins of red grapes, grape juice, mulberries and peanuts. It can also be purchased as a supplement. Preliminary data from BioMarker Pharmaceuticals, a pioneer in the field of resveratrol research, suggests that resveratrol's benefits may overlap with those of caloric restriction, which has been shown to increase lifespan. Resveratrol has achieved almost mythical stature over the past decade as a panacea for major age-related diseases like cancer and heart disease. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that the compound enhances the lifespan of common laboratory animals, protects these animals from developing tumors when exposed to cancer causing toxins, and protects them from developing heart problems when given a diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol. Considering these studies, many individuals have turned to resveratrol supplements as a means of improving health and fitness. However, such supplementation might trigger a few unwanted side effects involving drug metabolism, blood circulation and pregnancy.
Pros: Cardiovascular Health
Resveratrol exhibits a wide host of properties beneficial to cardiovascular health. According to "Life Extension Magazine," the compound has been shown to decrease inflammation--a condition associated with the narrowing of blood vessels to the heart--to thin the blood so that it has less chance of clotting, and to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol. The compound might also increase the proliferation of stem cells within the heart, so that, in the event of heart attack, the heart recovers more quickly
Pros: Cancer Prevention
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, resveratrol restricts the growth and proliferation of human cancer cell lines, and when orally administered to laboratory animals, inhibits the development of tumors induced by cancer-causing agents. Clinical trials using synthetic versions of resveratrol are currently underway to assess the effects of the drug in people with multiple forms of cancer.
Pros: Anti-Aging Effects
A large collection of studies, summarized in "Life Extension Magazine," has demonstrated that resveratrol dramatically lengthens the lifespan of a variety of species: worms, fruit flies, fish, mice and rats. The mechanism behind this is as of yet unknown, but might be similar to that of calorie restriction--the only method that had been previously shown to enhance longevity in mammals. In keeping with this possibility, resveratrol activates many of the same genes activated by calorie restriction.
Cons: Drug Metabolism
The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University cautions that resveratrol inhibits proteins needed to break down prescription drugs. In particular, resveratrol supplementation has the potential to interfere with the proper metabolism of statins, benzodiazepines, immunosuppressants, antihistamines, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors. As a result, the potential side effects and toxicity associated with these drugs can be exaggerated in people taking resveratrol.
Cons: Unknown Long-Term Consequences
The long-term effects of resveratrol supplements have not been investigated. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, people thinking of taking oral preparations of resveratrol should consult their doctors. Pregnant mothers should avoid resveratrol entirely.
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