Review of study reported in Cell Metabolism

Submitted by Jill Horn

Review of study reported in Cell Metabolism, Nov. 2011

A study was conducted by Dutch researchers regarding the health-enhancing benefits of resveratrol. If you haven’t heard of resveratrol before, one place it’s found is in the skins of grapes.

The researchers found that taking a resveratrol supplement for 30 days significantly reduced many of the markers associated with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other chronic diseases. One of the markers found to be significantly reduced was inflammation. Since inflammation is at the root of literally hundreds of diseases, this is certainly a significant finding. We also know that chronic inflammation not only leads to age-related diseases but also accelerated aging.

Diabetes has increased 35% in the past 10 years. Until now, the only nonpharmacological way to increase insulin receptivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes was to reduce calories and exercise. While those may still be important, adding a high potency resveratrol supplement may help improve insulin receptivity and lower blood sugar levels.

Is anyone too tired to exercise or just tired period? This study showed there is hope for more energy as well by using resveratrol. The participants in this study showed significant increases in markers of mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are your body’s energy producers that tend to decrease in number and output as we age. The increases in this study were comparable with those seen in endurance training.

On a personal note, I take a resveratrol supplement that is high potency and tested for puracy and safety. It’s the only one I know of that undergoes such scrutiny. It’s called Vivix.