Resveratrol Provides Anti-Aging Benefits

A breaking study shows that indulging in red wine and dark chocolate may actually make you look younger. Resveratrol, a natural plant compound found in grapes and cocoa, has long been known to combat the effects of obesity, diabetes and even certain cancers. However, scientists have now confirmed that resveratrol also provides anti-aging benefits.

The study, which was published earlier this month in Science, shows that resveratrol stimulates a group of enzymes known as sirtuin, which can trigger proteins that rejuvenate cells. The new study, led by David Sinclair of the Harvard Medical School, found that resveratrol influences sirtuin directly, although in a more complicated way than previously thought. He found that resveratrol works by modifying the shape of the sirtuin proteins in the cell, activating them to speed up the cell’s energy production centers known as mitochondria.

In an article by CBS News, Sinclair commented, “We’re finding that aging isn’t the irreversible affliction that we thought it was. Some of us could live to 150, but we won’t get there without more research.”

Researchers have also figured out which gene allows resveratrol to produce the sirtuin and believe that some drugs in the future may be able to provide the same anti-aging benefits as well. Pharmaceutical companies have already invested millions of dollars in research to study resveratrol in an attempt to find the secret against aging and disease.

Since these drugs aren’t available yet, what’s the best source of resveratrol? You can’t go wrong eating foods rich in the compound such as the following:

·         Grape skins and seeds

·         Grapes and grape juice, particularly red grapes

·         Red wine and dealcoholized red wine

·         Blueberries

·         Nuts and peanuts
 

 

And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget about dark chocolate. Levels of resveratrol found in cocoa and dark chocolate are second to red wine among known sources of resveratrol. Just remember to moderate portion sizes since chocolate can be high in calories.

 

Who knew anti-aging could taste so sweet?