Hadapurpura has to know…I’ve heard about this thingy called Resveratrol, which is found in grapes, and is now sold as a supplement. It is said to be able to slow, stop or reverse aging from the inside. Now, I’m in no rush to stop aging (I’ll be 24 next month), but I’d like to know if there’s some truth to those claims.
The Left Brain responds:
Based on the information provided by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, I wouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to throw away my money on Resveratrol.
What is Resveratrol?
It’s a type of antioxidant found in grapes, peanuts, and some berries. It can be taken orally but it doesn’t really do much because its bioavailability is low since it is rapidly metabolized and eliminated. (If the Right Brain was writing this there would be a pun about “Pee nuts” but I’ll take a pass on that joke.)
Why all the buzz?
Because scientists became interested in the potential health benefits of Resveratrol when it was discovered in red wine (they thought it could explain why the French could each so much high cholesterol cheese and still have low rates of heart disease. Google the “French Paradox” for more information.)
What can Resveratrol really do?
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, laboratory and animal testing have shown that resveratrol can slow the growth of cancer cells. However, it’s not known whether it can prevent cancer in humans. The key point is that “relatively little is known about the effects of resveratrol in humans.”
The Beauty Brains bottom line
As far as I can figure out, the best reason to believe Resveratrol can change the course of aging is that its name sounds like “Reverse-it-all.” And somehow, that’s a little less than satisfying for me.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Resveratrol was on my list of supplements to try, but I already take way too many that probably aren’t doing any, so I haven’t tried it. I never thought of reverse-it-all. If only a pill existed that did that!!!
I take resveratrol. Not because I actually believe the claims, but because mom bought a bottle and never took it herself, so I’m taking it just to use it up.
I wrote about resveratrol recently too:
http://www.futurederm.com/2011/09/28/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-resveratrol-anti-aging/
And altogether, I came to the same exact conclusion you did. Most of the hype seems to center around whether or not resveratrol does in fact activate sirtuins. It’s hard to say, because if it does, it’s not a direct activation. I’m sticking to retinoids, antioxidants, niacinamide, peptides, tons of sunscreen, and an occasional glass of wine!