You’ve probably heard of the many beneficial properties of drinking red wine and eating dark chocolate , and researchers argue that they are due to the presence of a natural chemical called resveratrol that even has anti-aging properties.

Red wine and eating chocolate could prevent aging

This polyphenic antioxidant bioflavonoid, resveratrol, is classified as a phytoestrogen as it is able to interact with estrogen receptors in a positive way.

Red wine is the best source for resveratrol , as its most natural sources are plants, including the skin of red grapes, dark berries, red wine, and raw cocoa.

The journal BMC Cell Biology published a study that found that chemicals similar to resveratrol can be used to rejuvenate old cells. The team of researchers was led by, Professor of Molecular Genetics at the University of Exeter . The first author of the article is Dr. Eva Latorre, associate researcher at the same university.

The study

The study used the results of previous research conducted at the university, which indicates that as we age, so-called splicing factors, which are types of proteins, become inactive. Adding “resverbs” to aging human cells reactivated them, and even though the cells appeared younger, this even caused the old cells to divide again [¹] [²].

According to Dr. Latorre:

“When I saw some of the cells in the culture dish rejuvenate, I couldn’t believe it. These old cells looked like young cells. It was like magic. I repeated the experiments several times and in each case, the cells rejuvenated. I am very excited about the implications and potential of this research. ”

The mRNA splicing process was explained by Prof. Harries:

“ The information in our genes is carried in our DNA. All cells in the body carry the same genes, but not all genes are turned on in every cell. That’s one of the things that makes a kidney cell a kidney cell and a heart cell a heart cell.

When a gene is needed, it turns on and makes an initial message called RNA, which contains the instructions for what to make the gene. The interesting thing is that most genes can make more than one message . ”

What’s more:

“The initial message is made up of building blocks that can be maintained or omitted to make different messages. This inclusion or removal of the building blocks is done through a process called mRNA splicing, whereby the different blocks are joined as needed. It’s a bit like a recipe book, where you can make a vanilla sponge or a chocolate cake, depending on whether you add chocolate or not.

Previously, we have found that the proteins that make the decision of whether to leave a blockage in our elimination (these are called splicing factors) change the most as we age.

According to Professor Harries, this opens up a great possibility for older people to enjoy their health longer in life:

“The findings show that when old cells are treated with molecules that restore splicing factor levels, the cells regain some characteristics of youth. They are able to grow, and their telomeres, the caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age, are now longer than in young cells. ”

Further,

“We were quite surprised by the magnitude of the findings. This is a first step in trying to make people live normal lives, but with health for life. ”

Furthermore, according to study co-author Professor Richard Faragher of the University of Brighton :

“At a time when our ability to translate new knowledge about the mechanisms of aging into medicine and lifestyle advice is only limited by a chronic shortage of funds, older people are not being served by self-indulgent science fiction. . They need practical action to restore their health and they need it now. ”

Prof. Harries also spoke about his future plans:

“Now we are trying to see if we can figure out how changes in splicing factor levels trigger cell salvage. We have more documents in preparation for this, so check out this space ”

Harvard also confirms the benefits of consuming red wine

Additionally, Harvard Medical School has also confirmed the anti-aging benefits of resveratrol found in red wine . Science published the results of this study, which indicate that resveratrol stimulates the production of SIRT1, a serum that blocks disease by speeding up the cell’s energy-producing centers known as mitochondria.

The researchers also discovered which gene allows resveratrol to produce SIRT1 and argue that some drugs currently in clinical trials may also show the ability to provide the same anti-aging benefits.

According to lead author David Sinclair, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School:

“In the history of pharmaceuticals, there has never been a drug that binds to a protein to make it work faster in the way that resveratrol activates SIRT1. Almost all drugs slow down or block. ”

Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that prevents damage caused by free radicals. The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Seville in Spain published a study that found that:

“One of the most notable biological activities of resveratrol thoroughly investigated in recent years has been its chemopreventive potential for cancer. In fact, it has recently been shown to block the multi-stage carcinogenesis process in several stages: tumor initiation, promotion and progression. ”

Dr. Ax talks about the impressive properties of resveratrol as well:

“Resveratrol is particularly unique in that its antioxidants can cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain and nervous system, unlike other antioxidants.

Recent studies by researchers at the Center for Nutrition Research at the University of Northumbria in the UK showed that resveratrol markedly increased blood flow to the brain, suggesting considerable benefit for healthy brain function and neuroprotective effects.

Resveratrol in Red Wine and Chocolate Helps Against Alzheimer’s

This means that consuming more can increase protection against cognitive / mental problems, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and others. ”

Research has also shown that resveratrol can prevent diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity, aid digestion, and energize the body [³]. Drinking red wine offers many other health benefits, and its consumption, according to Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, is linked to:

Reduces the risk of dementia: Consuming 1 to 3 glasses of wine per day has been linked to a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Reduced risk of depression: A study in middle-aged and elderly people showed that people who drank 2 to 7 glasses of wine per week were less likely to become depressed.

Reduces Insulin Resistance: Drinking 2 glasses a day of decoholized or normal red wine for 4 weeks can reduce insulin resistance.

On the other hand, despite the high amounts of soluble fiber and minerals, a 100 gram bar of dark chocolate with 70 to 85% cocoa contains:

  • 11 grams of fiber
  • 67% of the RDI for iron.
  • 58% of the RDI for magnesium.
  • 89% of the RDI for copper .
  • 98% of the RDI for manganese.

and high amounts of abundant zinc, potassium, phosphorus and selenium.

Therefore, its consumption also improves health in many other ways:

  • Lower your blood pressure.
  • Improves blood flow.
  • Increases HDL and protects LDL from oxidation.
  • Lowers the risk of heart disease.
  • Protects the skin from sun damage.
  • Increases brain function.

Can it be much better?

Now we can enjoy the incredible taste of red wine and dark chocolate and feel our body rejuvenate!

By Dr. Eric Jackson

Dr. Eric Jackson provides primary Internal Medicine care for men and women and treats patients with bone and mineral diseases, diabetes, heart conditions, and other chronic illnesses. He is a Washington University Bone Health Program physician and is a certified Bone Densitometrist. Dr. Avery is consistently recognized in "The Best Doctors in America" list.

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