The numerous benefits of red wine and dark chocolate are believed to be a result of the presence of a natural chemical called resveratrol.
Resveratrol is a polyphenic bioflavonoid antioxidant produced by certain plants and found in foods and drinks and is classified as a phytoestrogen because of its ability to interact with estrogen receptors in a positive way.
Studies indicate that the best-known resveratrol source is red wine, and the most naturally abundant sources of resveratrol are plants, including the skin of red grapes, red wine, raw cocoa, and dark berries, such as lingonberries, blueberries, mulberries, and bilberries.
However, research published in the journal BMC Cell Biology indicates that chemicals similar to resveratrol can be used to rejuvenate old cells. Researchers were led by Lorna Harries, a professor of molecular genetics at the University of Exeter, and the first author of the paper is Dr. Eva Latorre, a research associate at the university.
This study was based on the findings done previously at the University, that showed that so-called splicing factors, which are protein types, become inactive as we age.
Researchers reactivated these factors by adding “resveralogues,” or chemicals similar to resveratrol, to aging human cells. Not only they appeared younger, but the old cells started dividing again.
Dr.Latorre says:
“When I saw some of the cells in the culture dish rejuvenating I couldn’t believe it. These old cells were looking like young cells. It was like magic. I repeated the experiments several times and in each case, the cells rejuvenated. I am very excited by the implications and potential of this research.
Prof. Harries explained mRNA splicing:
“The information in our genes is carried [in] our DNA. Every cell in the body carries the same genes, but not every gene is switched on in every cell. That’s one of the things that makes a kidney cell a kidney cell and heart cell a heart cell.
When a gene is needed, it is switched on and [makes] an initial message called an RNA, that contains the instructions for whatever the gene makes. The interesting thing is that most genes can make more than one message.”
She added:
“The initial message is made up of building blocks that can be kept in or left out to make different messages. This] inclusion or removal of the building blocks is done by a process called mRNA splicing, whereby the different blocks are joined together as necessary. It’s a bit like a recipe book, where you can make either a vanilla sponge or a chocolate cake, depending on whether or not you add chocolate!
We have previously found that the proteins that make the decision as to whether a block is left in our taken out (these are called splicing factors) are the ones that change most as we age.”
Prof.Harries speaks about this huge possibility that opens up, and that can make seniors enjoy their health during their entire life:
“The findings demonstrate that when you treat old cells with molecules that restore the levels of the splicing factors, the cells regain some features of youth. They are able to grow, and their telomeres — the caps on the ends of the chromosomes that shorten as we age — are now longer, as they are in young cells.”
Moreover,
“We were quite surprised by the magnitude of the findings. This is a first step in trying to make people live normal lifespans, but with health for their entire life. “
The study co-author Prof. Richard Faragher, of the University of Brighton, adds:
“At a time when our capacity to translate new knowledge about the mechanisms of aging into medicines and lifestyle advice is limited only by a chronic shortage of funds, older people are ill-served by self-indulgent science fiction. They need practical action to restore their health and they need it yesterday.”
When it comes to their future plans and direction of research, Prof. Harries said:
“We are now trying to see if we can find out how the changes in splicing factor levels cause cell rescue. We have more papers in preparation on this so watch this space!”
Furthermore, being a potent antioxidant, resveratrol neutralizes free radical damage, which is accelerated due to poor lifestyle habits like smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, and in response to environmental pollution and toxicity.
According to research published by the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Seville in Spain,
“One of the most striking biological activities of resveratrol soundly investigated during the late years has been its cancer-chemopreventive potential. In fact, recently it has been demonstrated that it blocks the multistep process of carcinogenesis at various stages: tumor initiation, promotion, and progression.”
Additionally, Dr.Axe claims:
“Resveratrol is particularly unique as its antioxidants can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and the nervous system, unlike other antioxidants.
Recent studies done by researchers at the Nutrition Research Center at Northumbria University in the U.K. showed that resveratrol noticeably increased blood flow to the brain, suggesting a considerable benefit to healthy brain function and neuroprotective effects.
This means consuming more can increase protection against cognitive/mental problems, including Alzheimer’s, dementia and others. “
Resveratrol has also been linked to obesity, diabetes and prediabetes prevention, improved energy and endurance, a healthy digestion, and many other health benefits. Therefore, enjoy your daily glass of red wine and the delicious taste of dark chocolate, and you will feel all the positive effects of resveratrol!
