I am very selective when it comes to the supplements I take. Some of them are based on my individual needs such as vitamin D3 because I (and most of the population) tend to be low in this crucial hormone (its actual classification). Others because of what I believe will help replace what I need due to life (stress, what I miss in my diet, exercise load etc). Others I have added over the years based on research on health and longevity. I have discontinued supplements as well when updated research disproves proposed benefits or reveals detrimental effects.
Resveratrol is not a new supplement, it has many years of research behind its benefits as an anti-oxidant with anti-inflammatory capacity and longevity promoting properties. The latter is partially due to its fasting mimicking properties. This means it induces some of the same benefits as fasting and calorie restriction, two strategies that have been found to significantly prolong life in animal studies. Additionally, as I have written about in prior blogs, caloric restriction and fasting have mounting evidence of truly astounding health and longevity benefits.
Resveratrol is an anti-oxidant found in foods such as grapes, peanuts and Itadori tea. Red wine has particularly high levels which is one of the proposed reasons for its health benefits.
Resveratrol activates a particular enzyme that promotes longevity called surtuin 1 or SIRT1. This enzyme is linked to anti-inflammatory activity, metabolic adaptation such as improved blood sugar, and brain protective benefits including delay of cognitive decline with aging. Other benefits include regulating circadian rhythms, DNA repair (think cancer prevention), and up regulation of cell survival mechanisms.
Studies in humans have revealed that supplementing with Resveratrol significantly reduces blood sugar and insulin levels in overweight and diabetic subjects as well as a lowering of bad cholesterol and blood pressure, and an increase in good cholesterol (HDL).
A study in primates that fed subjects a diet high in refined sugar and fat over a two year period along with supplementing resveratrol showed a significant protective effect on inflammation and artery wall degeneration vs subjects fed the same diet but without supplements. Similar studies have shown protective effects on organs such as the liver and reduction of Beta Amyloid plaques in the brain which is believed to be the major cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Certainly trying to eat a diet rich in foods containing Resveratrol is a good first step but as we approach middle age, this is a supplement to consider adding to your health plan. If you are interested in trying this powerhouse supplement we are not carrying a nutraceutical grade resveratrol at the clinic.
Until next time,
Stay Healthy and Live Well,
Dr. Mike
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