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Ingredients in Red Wine May Lengthen Lifespan
June 05, 2008 10:13 AM
A new study suggests red wine improves longevity and prevents degenerative diseases, joining other recent research linking certain diets to additional health benefits.
30-Second Summary
A recent report found that moderate consumption of red wine, already known to promote health, may be even more effective in extending human lifespan than previously believed. The compound resveratrol, an ingredient in some red wines, was found to activate protein agents called “sirtuins” which preserve and protect tissues in the human body.
Some researchers are already downing daily capsules of wine-derived resveratrol, but others question if there is enough data on the compound’s safety and effectiveness.
A November 2007 Boston Globe article reported that Sirtris Pharmaceuticals has created a drug mimicking resveratrol, but with much greater potency. Studies on humans had not yet been conducted, but Sirtris researchers said animal tests showed health-enhancing responses—such as greater insulin sensitivity and stronger mitochondria—that are also found in restricted-calorie diets.
The restricted-calorie diet, one of several dietary regimens known to enhance longevity, was also recently shown to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Other recent studies found that the Mediterranean diet, long thought to reduce the risk of heart disease, may also help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Some observers even point to the apparent benefits of the traditional French style of eating, which is relatively high in fat but low in calories. In the so-called French Paradox, much of France’s population is slim and heart-healthy despite enjoying a liberal diet, while Americans struggle with widespread obesity and heart disease despite being gym-obsessed and stringently restricting fat intake.
Some researchers are already downing daily capsules of wine-derived resveratrol, but others question if there is enough data on the compound’s safety and effectiveness.
A November 2007 Boston Globe article reported that Sirtris Pharmaceuticals has created a drug mimicking resveratrol, but with much greater potency. Studies on humans had not yet been conducted, but Sirtris researchers said animal tests showed health-enhancing responses—such as greater insulin sensitivity and stronger mitochondria—that are also found in restricted-calorie diets.
The restricted-calorie diet, one of several dietary regimens known to enhance longevity, was also recently shown to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Other recent studies found that the Mediterranean diet, long thought to reduce the risk of heart disease, may also help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Some observers even point to the apparent benefits of the traditional French style of eating, which is relatively high in fat but low in calories. In the so-called French Paradox, much of France’s population is slim and heart-healthy despite enjoying a liberal diet, while Americans struggle with widespread obesity and heart disease despite being gym-obsessed and stringently restricting fat intake.
Headline Links: Wine-activated proteins may extend life
According to the New York Times, a new report says that red wine could be much more effective in extending human lifespan than was previously thought. Resveratrol, an ingredient in some red wines, activates protein agents called sirtuins. These proteins trigger tissue preservation in the body, ultimately preventing degenerative diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: New York Times
Background: Isolating wine’s longevity factor and testing it on mice
According to the Boston Globe, in November 2007, scientists at Sirtris Pharmaceuticals said they’d created a drug that mimicked resveratrol, but was “1,000 times more potent … and could lead to solutions for diseases of aging, including cancer and diabetes.” Resveratrol contains an immune system–boosting enzyme called SRT1, which has the ability to extend the lifespans of various organisms.
Source: Boston Globe
David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School biologist and cofounder of Sirtris, has theorized that activating SRT1 results in the same effects as calorie-restrictive diets, which have been shown to thwart disease and enhance longevity in invertebrates and mammals.
Source: Technology Review
Related Topics: Longevity studies tout various diets; the ‘French paradox’
Researchers originally began studying the so-called Mediterranean diet due to the high life-expectancy rates and low incidence of chronic disease among people eating traditional foods associated with Greece and Southern Italy. The diet emphasizes fish over red meat and includes liberal amounts of olive oil, grains, fruits and vegetables. The diet, long believed to lower risk of heart disease, has recently been linked to prevention of type 2 diabetes. But researchers are unsure exactly why the diet is effective. Some believe olive oil is the essential component, while others stress the benefits of reducing red meat intake.
Source: findingDulcinea
The restricted-calorie diet is also believed to slow the aging process and reduce disease risk. By limiting calories, while still maintaining a balance of nutrients, the diet results in lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose.
Source: MSNBC
In April 2008, Science Daily reported results from preclinical research showing that the development of pancreatic lesions that lead to cancer was “sharply reduced” by a restricted-calorie diet. Analysis of the results points to the protein IGF-1, which is known to stimulate cancer cell growth, and decreases under restricted caloric intake.
Source: Science Daily
The Guardian examines The French Paradox, “the riddle” of how the French are able to drink alcohol and devour cheese and pastries and still stay slim, while “health-obsessed Americans” struggle with obesity and heart disease. Despite a higher fat intake on the part of French diners, a study showed that Americans’ overall caloric intake was higher, leading to substantial weight differences over time.
Source: The Guardian
Reference: Drink to your health with red wine
The Mayo Clinic examines the health benefits of red wine, including how alcohol may help the heart, a comparison of red and white wine health benefits, and background information on resveratrol.
Source: Mayo Clinic
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
