It amazes me that researchers can find ways to extend life, but cannot eliminate some of the nasty diseases that make life as it is, so unbearable for many people as they get older. Anyway, it seems researchers in Massachusetts are studying a drug that mimics a substance in red wine called “Resveratrol,” This substance is believe to slow down the aging process.
Of course, everyone knows by now that a few sips of red wine each day can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer and even obesity. But who knew that it would turn out to be the “Holy Grail” of anti-aging. Is this why Jesus turned water into wine!!!!!
The properties of Resveratrol first surfaced when Harvard researchers realized that it could boost the life of yeast cells by 70 per cent. Since then, they have found that this substance can extend the lifespan of worms, flies and fish. Preliminary tests revealed that Resveratrol reduced calorie intake by one third, which can boost an animal’s lifespan by as much as 40 per cent.
"It is difficult to predict whether Resveratrol will be effective in humans," Matt Kaeberlein of the Department of Pathology, University of Washington told The New York Times. "But if Resveratrol doesn't make the grade, it is not the last hope of gerontologists, or necessarily even the best. Studies of other, potent antioxidants are under way at the National Institute of Ageing."
Dr. Richard A. Millar, a pathologist at the University of Michigan estimated that Resveratrol might increase a person’s lifespan to about 112 “healthy years, with some living to 140. Currently, Cambridge-based Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and Elixir Pharmaceuticals are working on developing the drug further. It is apparently also available now as a nutritional supplement on the Internet. (For example, see: http://www.wholehealthproducts.com/)
While many people may be thrilled with this news, it obviously calls for an increase in research to combat age-related diseases as well. I wouldn’t even consider taking this pill until this was done.
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Cecile: Really, what does one do with oneself after 80???????
sharing the light and happy new year,
Miss Erica Hidvegi, the Enlightenment_Advisor, B.A. Psych/M.A.
Transpersonal Studies- Cnslng/Author, Artist, Photographer,
Entrepreneur & Freelance extraordinaire
http://www.enlightenment-psych.net/mind.htm
by increasing energy, reducing cravings, and limiting your appetite.
According to Wikipedia, Consumer Lab, an independent dietary
supplement and over the counter products evaluation organization,
published a report on 13 November 2007 on the popular resveratrol
supplements. The organization reported that there exists a wide range
in quality, dose, and price among the 13 resveratrol products
evaluated. The actual amount of resveratrol contained in the
different brands range from 2.2mg for Revatrol, which claimed to have
400mg of "Red Wine Grape Complex", to 500mg for Biotivia.com Transmax,
which is consistent with the amount claimed on the product's label.
Prices per 100mg of resveratrol ranged from less than $.30 for
products made by Biotivia.com, jarrow, and country life, to a high of
$45.27 for the Revatrol brand. None of the products tested were found
to have significant levels of heavy metals or other contaminants.