Medical literature is beginning to have numerous articles on the benefits of taking a substance called resveratrol, most commonly found in red wine. You may recall reading news flashes several years ago about a village in Italy that had numerous citizens who lived into their hundreds. A common part of their diet was the consumption red wine. A chemical natural to red wine is resveratrol. The chemical has been isolated, and studies are being done in humans and animal modes to see if it has any medical benefits. So far, evidence is emerging that it does have an impact on a variety of illnesses, including diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
The mechanism of action of resveratrol is being determined. It is known to be an antioxidant. When tissues are oxidized in the body, they do not function normally and diseases can result. If an effective, easy to take tablet can be administered with positive results, the impact could be substantial. A recent summary of resveratrol's effect stated, "resveratrol treatment could be a godsend for couch potatoes, allowing them to gain less weight by receiving the benefits of exercise without leaving the sofa.”
Resveratrol activates a gene called SIRT1 that is key to longevity and energy. A daily dose is equivalent to the benefits of drinking 8,000 bottles of red wine. In one study, mice given the drug did not gain weight, even though they were fed fatty diets. They also did not develop diabetes and had improved stamina. Another study showed that mice taking resveratrol did not develop fat from clogging up their livers.
A fascinating poster at the American Diabetes Association in late June of this year, by Jill Crandall and her colleagues, concluded that in older adults with impaired glucose tolerance, resveratrol, “lowered plasma glucose, improved insulin sensitivity, and was well tolerated. No toxicity was observed." Crandall's group used Transmax Resveratrol from Biotivia that has been available for a couple of years. I take it twice daily.
Watch the medical literature for even more results of studies on resveratrol, and talk to your health care provider about how resveratrol might benefit you.
R. Keith Campbell RPh, FAADE, CDE is a leader in the field of diabetes, named the “Outstanding Health Care Educator in the Field of Diabetes in the U.S.” by the American Diabetes Association, having published more than 650 articles, serving on numerous boards (including the American Association of Diabetes Educators), and co-developing the popular CADD ambulatory infusion pump.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of Diabetes Product Source, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.
Submitted by Soraya Kanakis (not verified) on Thu, 2011-09-08 07:00.
Excellent post! It doesn't sound like Resveratrol has many side effects because of the fact that red wine has been around for hundreds of years. I don't think that there is a substitute for diet and exercise; however, if Resveratrol can help save lives, especially for those who are disabled and cannot exercise, then this is good news. Thank you for this information.
Excellent post! It doesn't sound like Resveratrol has many side effects because of the fact that red wine has been around for hundreds of years. I don't think that there is a substitute for diet and exercise; however, if Resveratrol can help save lives, especially for those who are disabled and cannot exercise, then this is good news. Thank you for this information.
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