Longevity: According to a study at Harvard Medical School, ‘Resveratrol’ activates a longevity gene in certain strains of yeast and extends life expectancy by 70%! It works in the same way as calorie restriction (the only scientifically proven way of increasing longevity) by activating SIR genes. In mice, the life span was increased by 31%. Formal research to date has been restricted to yeast and animals, but it is worth noting that humans also possess these genes. ‘Resveratrol’ re-energises your body at a cellular level.

 

Cardio Health: Several recent studies determine the cardio-protective abilities of ‘Resveratrol’. Both in acute and chronic models ‘Resveratrol’ attenuates myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis and reduces ventricular arrhythmias. The World Health Organisation suggests that ‘Resveratrol’ single-handedly reduces cardiovascular risk by 40% (wow – that’s incedible!!). ‘Resveratrol’ is more effective than vitamin E, protecting against a wider range of ‘free radicals’ to prevent oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the action of thrombin and several aggregating factors. It also promotes production of nitric oxide that relaxes and dilates the arteries and prevents the normal ageing of arteries and veins.

 

Cancer Prevention: ‘Resveratrol’ is the only natural product with such strong evidence to show it stops cancerous cell development at various stages. A study published in the prestigious journal ‘Science’ showed that ‘Resveratrol’ blocks the proliferation of cancerous cells during three important stages of development. A study in which mice were given ‘Resveratrol’ for more than 18 weeks showed a reduction in skin tumours of 98%! Other research has demonstrated that, in some cases, it improves the results of chemotherapy and helps DNA repair.

 

Weight, Cholesterol & Smoking: Research has shown that ‘Resveratrol’ can block the cancer-promoting effects of linoleic acid-rich diet and reduces blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In clinical trials, rats allowed to become obese on a high-fat diet with ‘Resveratro’l did not contract the usual diseases of obesity and lived 31% longer. ‘Resveratrol’ is considered beneficial in a weight-loss programme. It also reduces the cancer-causing cytokines caused in the lungs by cigarette smoke, which is good news for active passive smokers.