Resveratrol Side Effects, Benefits, Dosage, and Research Information - My Resveratrol Experience

Resveratrol Scam: Warning and Consumer Alert!

Before you buy resveratrol read this article!

On November 13th, 2008 I wrote an article discussing whether or not resveratrol was a scam.  The article, "Resveratrol Scam - Take the Money and Run," was written prior to the "Free Trial" scam that has taken over the market.  While there are a few companies souring the industry it does not mean ALL companies and their products are bad.

These "Free Trial Offers" are not a new scam.  They have been around for years and prior to resveratrol they were focusing on the Acai Berry supplement industry.  It has gotten so bad that Attorney Generals from multiple states, including Florida and Connecticut, have begun investigations into the companies offering these trials.  They are also evaluating the claims some of these companies are making about their products. (Read: ABC News - Beware Acai Berry Free Offers)

The AG's are not only investigating the free offers, but the fraudulent celebrity endorsements used by the companies.  Oprah Winfrey's company, HARPO Productions, has stated they do not support or endorse these products offered by the companies using her photos and video clips.

While Oprah, Dr. Oz, and programs like 60-Minutes have run segments on the benefits of Acai and Resveratrol, they do not commercially endorse these products.  Companies using their photos and video clips do so without the approval of the respective individuals.

Muscle Madness: Weight Training Reduces Risk of Cancer Up To 40%

Resveratrol isn't the only anti-cancer research focus in the world.

Reducing the risk of cancer is something that most people don't consciously think about. Those that do often stick to strict diets high in Vitamin C content along with a high energy fitness program.

Until now, most overlooked the need for weight training along with their aerobic exercise routines.  Researchers at Sweden's Karolinska Institute have completed studies that show men who weight train at least twice per week are up to 40% less likely to develop cancers.

The research also indicated men who were overweight or had above average BMI ratings, were less likely to develop cancers then those without strength training as part of a weekly routine.

Scientists tracked and documented 8,677 men between the ages of 20 and 82.  From 1980 to 2003, the men under went routine medical check-ups to track there lifestyles and strength levels.  The data revealed men who weight lifted regularly and had the most muscles enjoyed up to a 40% decreased likelihood of dieing from cancer.

Resveratrol, an Antioxidant: What does that mean?

If you are like me you are familiar with hearing the term "Antioxidant" being used rather frequently. Health gurus all over the world are telling us we need antioxidants to help repair the normal every day stresses are body endures.

The term antioxidant starts with "anti", meaning opposed to or against. Let's find out what we are opposed to, the oxidant.

An oxidant causes oxidation, or oxidative stress on our cells.  This stress is caused by the over abundance of molecules called free radicals.  These free radicals are imbalanced in the number of electrons they carry causing them to scavenge (give or steal) from other molecules in our body.  By doing this they damage other cells and DNA.

Common every day examples of oxidative stress are apples turning brown or new copper turning green, or what is known as "patina."  Perhaps the most well known example of oxidation can be seen on The Statue of Liberty.  As you can see, once copper in color the Statue is now commonly known as patina green in color.

While oxidation is a normal physiological process that is good for us, too much of it causes the imbalance explained above. This stress then causes irreparable damage to our cells. This is where "Antioxidants" such as resveratrol come into play.

The Theory of Resveratrol Providing Us With Longevity Explained!

"Reaching the age of 130 because of Resveratrol..."  Where's the proof?

The original scientific theory regarding the benefits of resveratrol were derived from the phenomenon known as the "French Paradox."  While the French were known to have diets full of carbohydrates and high fat foods they still out lived a majority of those with similar diets.  It was determined the Red Wine consumption (and the resveratrol in that wine) of the French played a role in this paradox.  

While this lifestyle theory gave researchers a hypothesis to prove, it also opened up a myriad of other potential benefits resveratrol could provide.  We have seen resveratrol studies focused on diseases of aging such as Cancer, Diabetes, and Heart Disease. We have also watched mice run faster and longer while increasing their lifespans by up to 30%.

But what are we really after?  For most of us it is living past the normal life expectancy age of 75. Taking that a step further we don't just want to live longer, we want to live longer as healthy as we were in our 60's, 50's or why not even our 30's.  I like to refer to this "want" as the "deceleration of aging."

Why resveratrol then?  One prominent theory of using resveratrol as an anti-aging supplement refers to a calorie restriction diet, or CR diet. CR diets are best explained as eating about 30% fewer calories then your body needs with a standard diet. By using supplements, vitamins, and eating certain high nutrient foods, CR diet is touted as a healthy lifestyle by many practitioners. (more on Calorie Restriction)

Living Longer: There's More to It Than Resveratrol Alone!

Focus on your "Healthstyle" to add healthy years to your life!

The headlines, news clips, and talk show segments are all touting the benefits of resveratrol. You hear the catch phrases almost daily now:

"The Fountain of Youth" - "Longevity in a Bottle" - "The French Paradox"

These headlines are being thrown around like they actually mean something. So who can blame us for getting caught up in what "could be" even though we are missing the reality.

We hear the professionals telling us to add resveratrol to our diets, but what most people miss is what else these professionals are saying...

"Resveratrol should be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle."

This doesn't mean you can eat high fat foods all day, washed down with a six pack of beer.  It doesn't mean you can sit on your couch and the only exercise you get is a trip to the fridge or bathroom. Just taking your "miracle" resveratrol pill won't solve the ailments created by an unhealthy lifestyle.