Throughout the history of mankind, people have been searching for ways to slow and or even reverse the effects of the aging process. From the anti-aging secrets of the ancient Egyptians, to the legendary search for "the fountain of youth" by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, to growth hormone potentiation investigations of the present day, the pursuit of longevity has always been a popular obsession. However, with the technological advances we've made in recent times, science is now better able to shed light on how some healthy natural substances (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.) support cellular repair, which is the essence of "long life." One particular beverage that has been touted for its health benefits for centuries is red wine.
Scientists have long suspected that drinking red wine in moderation may have some significant health benefits. In fact, a study in the 1970s highlighted "the French paradox," the reputed connection between a high-fat diet and lower rates of heart disease. Many pointed to the French population's high consumption of red wine as the primary reason for the unusual statistical results. In the course of further research, it turned out that red wine was a rich source of a potent chemical compound known as "resveratrol".
 Resveratrol is a polyphenol naturally found in the skin of red grapes, certain berries, and in a particularly high concentration in red wine. Independent studies on resveratrol have demonstrated an impressive list of potential health-promoting benefits due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Most recently, resveratrol has been lauded as a highly effective weight-loss additive and energy booster. According to Dr. David Sinclair, Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard University Medical School, study trial participants who used resveratrol actually had improved skin tone and increased energy. Pioneering anti-aging research such as Dr. Sinclair's has demonstrated the possible effects of this potent polyphenol, and have led to the widespread marketing of resveratrol in purified forms for daily consumption. In a more recent study conducted by Dr. Sinclair and published in the medical journal Nature, it was demonstrated that mammals given high doses of resveratrol benefited from the same anti-aging effects without cutting calories (lower body fat, increased energy, less illness and increased longevity).
"If we're right about this" said Dr. Sinclair, "it would mean you could have the benefit of cutting calories without having to feel hungry. It's the Holy Grail of aging research."
Want to add resveratrol to your supplementation regimen? The good news is you don't have to pour red wine on your cereal every morning or drink multiple bottles a day to reap all of the goodness of resveratrol. Not only do blueberries, grapes and other berries offer the same potent heart-protective compounds found in red wine, but a select few reputable companies are weighing in with high-quality resveratrol extracts. ProSource's own Resveratrol supplement is unique in that it features the highest potency extract of the natural form trans-resveratrol from Japanese knotwood root (50% Polygonum cuspidatum) and pure red wine extract (Vitis vinifera, min. 30% polyphenols). And as always at ProSource, it is manufactured in the USA of the purest and most potent material available-guaranteed.
Although additional research is needed to truly understand all of the potential benefits of resveratrol, it is highly likely that this potent new compound would make a positive addition to anyone's nutritional / supplementation routine.
References:
Resveratrol, pterostilbene, and piceatannol in vaccinium berries. Rimando, A. M., Kalt, W., Magee, J. B., Dewey, J., Ballington, J. R., Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2004 July 28;52(15):4713-4719.
Farina A, Ferranti C, Marra C (2006). "An improved synthesis of resveratrol". Nat. Prod. Res. 20 (3): 247–52.
Wood JG, Rogina B, Lavu1 S, Howitz K, Helfand SL, Tatar M, Sinclair D (2004). "Sirtuin activators mimic caloric restriction and delay aging in metazoans" (PDF). Nature 430 (7000): 686–689.
Gruber J, Tang SY, Halliwell B (April 2007). "Evidence for a trade-off between survival and fitness caused by resveratrol treatment of Caenorhabditis elegans". Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1100: 530–42.
Bass TM, Weinkove D, Houthoofd K, Gems D, Partridge L. (2007). "Effects of resveratrol on lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans". Mechanisms of ageing and development 128 (10): 546–549.
Valenzano DR, Terzibasi E, Genade T, Cattaneo A, Domenici L, Cellerino A (2006). "Resveratrol prolongs lifespan and retards the onset of age-related markers in a short-lived vertebrate". Current Biology 16 (3): 296–300.
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