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)

You may be asking what CR Diet has to do with Resveratrol?  The reason calorie restriction has gained popularity is it has been known to activate SIRT1 activity. SiRT1 is a Sirtuin Gene in our bodies that creates a "fight" or "die" response in our cells. Instead of our cells becoming stressed and dieing from unhealthy conditions, SiRT1 tells our cells they should fight to survive instead (they don't always survive but the chances are increased). By triggering this response more cells have the ability to live, and replicate, keeping our cellular system under better health. (more on SiRT1)

Bringing Resveratrol, CR Diet, and SiRT1 together!

As research studies progressed they showed resveratrol activated the same SiRT1 gene as those practicing a CR diet. Resveratrol provided an added benefit in that the CR diet is a very difficult one for many people to maintain. Resveratrol was now showing it could provide the benefits of CR without the rigors of such a demanding diet and lifestyle change.

Where is the Proof?

"The proof is in the pudding," so they say. Determining whether or not resveratrol can help us live to 130 or beyond is almost impossible.  Almost... Long term studies on large groups of humans would need to be completed. When I say long term, I am talking 50, 60, or even more years in length.  How else can you prove we can live to 130 without actually living to 130?