Resveratrol is a plant-based polyphenolic compound that acts as an antioxidant and is associated with many health benefits like lowering cholesterol and boosting our overall health.
The common sources of resveratrol are red wine, grapes, berries, and peanuts. The purpose of this compound in plants is to protect them from the effects of ultraviolet rays and environmental stressors. There are several studies that have shown that resveratrol can increase the life span of animals.
Resveratrol is also associated with improving overall health and has neuroprotection, cardioprotection, antidiabetic, and antitumor effects on the body. In this article, we will try to find out the link between resveratrol and longevity and have a look at its other potential health benefits that helps to live longer.
What Do Studies Show?
How to achieve longevity and increase the life span is an interesting topic of research in medicine for centuries and resveratrol is a major part of these studies. Studies have shown that resveratrol activates the genes that prevent the disease of aging. The effect of resveratrol on aging works like calorie restriction.
According to a review of studies on different animals, 60% of animals have been found to the effect of increased life span. These all studies are performed on animals and it is still unclear about finding the same effect of this compound in humans. But studies have shown many other potential health benefits of resveratrol that can help to improve longevity.
Lowers blood pressure:
Resveratrol has some antioxidant properties and can help to lower blood pressure. A review of different studies in 2015 has concluded that high doses of resveratrol can reduce the systolic blood pressure in arteries when the heart beats. Systolic blood pressure appears as the upper reading on blood pressure reading. When we age, arteries stiffen and systolic blood pressure typically goes up with age and it can be a risk factor for heart disease. Resveratrol helps in the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels to relax and lowers blood pressure.
Lowers bad cholesterol:
It has been shown in several studies on animals that resveratrol supplementation can help to manage blood cholesterol in a healthy way. In a study in 2016 on mice fed on a high protein, and high polyunsaturated fat diet with resveratrol supplementation. The study found that body weight, and overall cholesterol levels are decreased in mice and their levels of good cholesterol increased due to the supplementation of resveratrol. Resveratrol reduces the effect of the enzyme that enhances the production of cholesterol. Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and inhibits the oxidation of bad cholesterol LDL. Oxidation of LDL results in plaque formation in our vessels.
Protects the brain:
Many scientific studies have shown that drinking red wine can reduce the rate of age-related cognitive decline. Resveratrol can interfere with protein fragments called beta-amyloid and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Resveratrol is a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promises its ability to protect brain cells from damage.
Increases insulin sensitivity:
It has been shown in animal studies resveratrol can prevent complications of diabetes and also improves insulin sensitivity. There is an enzyme that turns glucose into sorbitol. Resveratrol stops the activity of that enzyme. In people with diabetes too much sorbitol in their body can cause oxidative damage in cells. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol can help diabetic people to prevent the inflammatory and oxidative complications of the disease. Resveratrol activates AMPK which is a protein that helps in the metabolism of sugar and helps to keep blood sugar levels within range.
Protects against cancer:
To check resveratrol’s ability against cancers it has been studied in test tubes. Animal and test-tube studies have shown that it can fight against several cancers including colon cancer, gastric cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Resveratrol can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent them from replicating and spreading. It can change gene expression and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Resveratrol influences hormones and helps to prevent hormone-dependent cancers.
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Animal studies have shown that it can increase life span and longevity. Alongside this effect of resveratrol, there are other health benefits of the compound that helps to improve the quality and duration of life. Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancers are the leading causes of death and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to prevent these health conditions.
