How Does Resveratrol Work?
You may have heard all about a powerful anti-aging supplement called resveratrol, but are wondering to yourself; “how does resveratrol work?”. Plants produce this compound when they are faced with particularly harsh weather, or by attacks from bacteria and fungi. It seems like resveratrol triggers a survival response when taken by animals and humans.
A type of gene called Sirtuins are activated when resveratrol is introduced into our systems. These genes are usually shut off, and calorie restriction was previously the only way we knew how to turn them on. In fact, it was the research into Sirtuins that discovered resveratrol benefits. A Harvard Medical School researcher tested hundreds of different compounds until he found one that activated these genes. Resveratrol was the winner and the researcher “almost fell out of his chair” when he made the connection between resveratrol and red wine.
The research into exactly how resveratrol works is still very young, and we may not know for certain for a few more years. However, there have been few side effects reported, with almost none of them being very serious. If this compound ends up working like some scientists think it might work, we may be able to grow old with the ones we love, while staying independent and active.