GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ON RESVERATROL

GREGORY CHANDLER, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ON RESVERATROL According to research, resveratrol extends the lifespan of yeast cells up to 70%. This finding led researchers to ask if these same life-extending effects could be applied to humans. Is resveratrol a useful supplement in anti-aging? To answer this question, we can look at the facts. Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red wine and grape skin as well as certain berries and stalks of the Japanese knotweed plant. Plants produce resveratrol as a "defense mechanism" in response to stress, injury, fungal infection or ultraviolet radiation. One proven way to extend lifespan in a variety of mammals is to restrict calorie consumption. Resveratrol seems to mimic the same gene expression effects of calorie restriction. Resveratrol extends the lifespan of yeast cells an astounding 70% primarily due to its action on the Sir2 gene. Studies on worms, fruit flies, and fish came to the same conclusion: resveratrol extends lifespan. In a study on human cells, resveratrol activated a similar gene, SIRT1, and enhanced the survival rate of cells stressed by irradiation. For humans, it's estimated that you would need to reduce calorie consumption down to 1,600 per day from the average of 2,400 a day to achieve lifespan increases. The thought is that resveratrol could impart the same benefit without starving yourself. Red wine consumption may explain why the French, who consume a diet rich in saturated fat, have a 42% lower incidence of heart disease than individuals in the United States of America. Resveratrol is transferred from grape skin to red wine during the fermentation process. Very little resveratrol exists in white wine since it is fermented without grape skins. The level of resveratrol in red wine varies widely due to various factors such as geography and type of grape. For example, Pinot Noir contains about 5 mg per bottle while Cabernet Sauvignon contains about 1 mg per bottle. One way of getting resveratrol without the alcohol and calories of wine is by supplementing with resveratrol. One can find resveratrol at retailers such as GNC. GREGORY CHANDLER, Attorney at Law