Can't Get To The Gym? Have A Glass of Red Wine

Thursday, June 28th 2012 at 7:00 pm by Margie King, Health Coach (Courtesy of GreenMedInfo.com)

It may sound like a dream come true for many of us, but a research study published in the FASEB Journal,  suggests that resveratrol, the healthy compound found in red wine, could help counter the negative effects of being a couch potato.

The study tested the effects of resveratrol on rats under conditions resulting from spaceflight and sedentary lifestyles, and may tell researchers something about the same effects on people.  The report describes rat experiments that simulated the weightlessness of spaceflight. Some rats were fed resveratrol and others were not. The group fed resveratrol did not develop insulin resistance, muscle loss, or loss of bone mineral density, as did those who were not fed resveratrol.

Resveratrol has often been cited as the secret to the French Paradox - the fact that French people enjoy low levels of cardiovascular disease, even though their diets are rich in saturated fats and oils. Some researchers think the reason for this so-called paradox lies in France's love of red wine, which is the most important dietary source of resveratrol.  Other sources include grapes, raspberries, mulberries, blueberries, cranberries and surprisingly, peanuts.

According to Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal, "There are overwhelming data showing that the human body needs physical activity, but for some of us, getting that activity isn't easy. A low gravity environment makes it nearly impossible for astronauts. For the earthbound, barriers to physical activity are equally challenging, whether they be disease, injury, or a desk job. Resveratrol may not be a substitute for exercise, but it could slow deterioration until someone can get moving again."
Scientists studied rats that underwent simulated weightlessness and were given a daily dose of resveratrol. The control group showed decreased muscle mass and strength, development of insulin resistance, loss of bone mineral density and lower resistance to breakage. The group receiving resveratrol showed none of these complications.

According to the researchers their study suggests that resveratrol may be able to prevent the harmful consequences of sedentary behaviors in humans.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol and acts as a powerful antioxidant suppressing "free radicals" which can cause cell damage. Various clinical trials have indicated that it may have anti-aging properties and prevent the growth of some cancers in mice, inhibit enzymes that cause inflammation, shrink tumors and increase blood flow, thus reducing cardiovascular diseases. In many cases, it has also been shown to extend the life of obese animals and help to regulate insulin sensitivity.  In fact, all good reasons to enjoy a glass of red wine.

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 Learn more about Isotonix® Resveratrol

Key Ingredients Found In Isotonix® Resveratrol:

Resveravine® (20% resveratrol extract): 10 mg

Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant found in red wine. Resveravine is a natural extract from Vitis vinifera standardized to contain 20% oligostilbenes. Resveravine is 100 to 300 times more concentrated in trans-resveratrol than other products made from grape skin. It provides antioxidant protection of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, promotes normal platelet activity, vasorelaxation and blood flow, all which support cardiovascular health. It has been shown to promote apoptosis (programmed cell death) in unhealthy cells. Another proposed mechanism of action involves the study of the SIRT-1 gene (also known at the longevity gene). Sirtuins, known as Silent Information Regulators (SIRs), are deacetylase enzymes identified in all living creatures. Sirtuin proteins are known to play an important role in keeping regions of chromosomes turned off. Sirtuin controls the enzyme that converts acetate, a source of calories, into acetyl-CoA, a key component of cellular respiration. In humans, there are seven different sirtuins, SIRT-1 to SIRT-7. SIRT-1 has been studied by scientist for its potential effect on human cell lifespan.*

Resveratrol promotes normal activity of SIRT-1. Studies have shown that SIRT-1 activates a critical component of calorie restriction in mammals and promotes fat mobilization. The most recent study (Nature 2006) demonstrated that obese mice fed red wine extract (resveratrol) were in better health and lived longer than obese mice that were not fed the red wine extract. The resveratrol group, were more able to maintain heart health compared to mice that were not fed resveratrol. SIRT-1 activation also supports healthy mitochondrial function and supports energy expenditure. Resveratrol has also been shown to have phytoestrogen activity and may support optimal estradiol activity. Other studies have documented neuroprotective benefits associated with resveratrol supplementation.*

A comparison test was made to evaluate the activating effect on human SIRT-1 of Resveravine and pure trans-resveratrol. Only the trans-resveratrol form of the molecule promotes normal activation of the mammalian SIRT-1 gene in vitro test. Resveravine was more than eight times more likely to promote SIRT-1 activity than pure trans-resveratrol, showing that Resveravine is more efficient than resveratrol in promoting the normal activity of SIRT-1. Therefore, while the specific mechanisms of SIRT-1 and resveratrol are still unclear, the studies show that SIRT-1 is essential in lifespan extension and health improvement, and resveratrol promotes SIRT-1 activity.*

Studies in numerous species have demonstrated that reduction of calories 30 to 50 percent below ad libitium levels of a nutritious diet can promote a longer lifespan, improve overall health, promote normal stress resistance and decelerate functional decline. Studies showed that, SIRT-1 activates a critical component of calorie restriction in mammals, and promotes fat mobilization in adipocytes by repressing PPAR (test conducted on mice). Because healthy fat levels have been show to promote a longer murine lifespan, it is suggested that calorie restriction could be connected to SIRT-1 and life extension in mammals.

As an alternative strategy, new research has focused on the development of calorie restriction mimetics, compounds that mimic the effect of calorie restriction by targeting metabolic and stress response pathways affected by calorie restriction, but without restricting caloric intake. Resveratrol has been suggested as a potential calorie restriction mimetic.  

Supplementing mice with resveratrol significantly increases their aerobic capacity. By promoting healthy SIRT-1 activity, resveratrol promotes healthy mitochondrial function and supports energy expenditure, thereby promoting healthy weight. In vivo test conducted on mice on a high-calorie diet, resveratrol shifts the physiology of middle-aged mice on a high-calorie diet towards that of mice on a standard diet and promotes their overall health.  

BioVin® Advanced (French Red Wine Extract with 5% resveratrol): 200 mg

Red wine extract containing oligomeric proanthocyanins (OPCs), known to be extremely effective in supporting cardiovascular health by supporting normal blood circulation, strengthening blood vessels, and promoting normal platelet activity. BioVin Advanced provides OPCs and additional Resveratrol. The red wine grape contains two main constituents shown to be of significant antioxidant value: red wine polyphenols (flavonoids) and trans-resveratrol (mentioned above). Oligomeric proanthocyanins are flavonoid complexes that act as super potent antioxidants in the human body. BioVin Advanced combines the antioxidant properties of OPCs with trans-resveratrol to promote phase 2 metabolizing enzymes, which are involved in the detoxification of the body’s cells, promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in unhealthy cells, promoting healthy cholesterol levels, and general free-radical scavenging properties.*

VitaBlue® Wild Blueberry Extract (12.5% anthocyanins): 50 mg

Blueberries rank highest among many fruits and vegetables for ORAC activity and contain 25-30 different types of anthocyanins. Anthocyanin gives blueberries (and other fruits) their rich blue and red coloring, and is a powerful flavonoid antioxidant. The mechanism of action surrounding anthocyanins has been studied at the molecular level, demonstrating effects such as the promotion of healthy cells and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Blueberries provide large amounts of chlorogenic acid, which is thought to be important in promoting cellular health. VitaBlue Wild Blueberry Extract supports the body’s COX-2 inhibitors and provides powerful antioxidants in much higher quantities than fresh blueberries, and show to be effective in promoting cardiovascular health, contributing to normal cell cycle traverse, and maintaining overall cellular health.*