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Go ahead, enjoy the wine and berries: It’s the most fun way yet to increase your life expectancy …

The name isn't exactly attractive, but the benefits sure are. Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in many foods such as grapes, red wine, berries and peanuts and has been shown to slow the aging process in laboratory settings. One study at Harvard Medical School has shown that resveratrol actually improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet. With high intakes of resveratrol, these mice experienced weight loss even in the presence of minimal exercise or caloric restriction.

The Wonder Supplement

Resveratrol has many beneficial biological effects, but researchers believe that the life extension benefits might be dependent on its ability to effect aging genes called sirtuins, especially SIR 2, an enzyme that controls aging pathways. In addition, resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity, improves mitochondrial function and motor function, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, reduces vascular, atherosclerotic and heart disease, reduces clotting, improves neurological disease, liver disease and possibly reduces cancer risk.

Another study in mice indicated marked improvement in exercise tolerance and improved mitochondrial function. In essence, resveratrol mimics the anti-aging effects of caloric restriction.

Naturally, the Winner is Pinot Noir

So how much do we need to make a difference? The answer at this time is unknown. However, it is recommended that we increase our food intake of grapes and grape products, dark berries, peanuts and other foods. You might also want to consider taking 100 mg or more of high-quality resveratrol in a supplement form each day. Also, enjoy your red wine, especially Pinot Noir, which has the highest content of resveratrol.

More Details About Resveratrol

• The power of resveratrol in various studies is impressive. It activates a group of genes called sitruins (silent information regulator proteins), specifically SIR I and SIR 2 genes in human cells.
• Activation of SIR I will extend life span and can be particularly effective in conjunction with caloric restriction. SIR I blocks the activity of tumor growth and cell death and protects human cells from gamma radiation.
• SIR 2 increases DNA stability, speeds cellular repair and increases total life span.
• In yeast, resveratrol extends life by 80 percent.
• In mice, rats and primates, resveratrol demonstrates anti-aging and athletic endurance activities, promotes weight loss and simulates the anti-aging effects of caloric restriction without actually restricting calories.
• Resveratrol also has demonstrated anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-platelet and cholesterol-lowering activities.
• Resveratrol increases insulin sensitivity, reduces insulin-like growth factor I (IGF –I), activates the PPAR gamma system, increases mitochondrial number, increases energy expenditure and improves motor function.
• Recent studies also suggest resveratrol reduces the risk of colorectal cancer and slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Please consult your personal physician regarding all individual health matters.

For more from Dr. Houston, visit his wellness blog, The Houston Report