Anti-Obesity Potential of Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant phytochemical found in the skins of red grapes, red wine, and purple grape juice as well as other food sources.  Research on the potential health benefits of resveratrol has been in full swing since it was suggested that red wine might be responsible for the "French Paradox", the concept that heart health remained high in France despite the prevalence of smoking and diets rich in saturated fats.  The research to date has suggested that resveratrol might have heart health benefits, cancer-fighting properties, and weight loss benefits; however, some of the mechanisms responsible for the possible health benefits of resveratrol remain uncertain.

New obesity research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the effect of resveratrol on human fat cell function.  Fat cells were used to study cell growth, cell differentiation, fat production, glucose uptake, and production of fat cell chemicals.  Treatment of human fat cells with resveratrol resulted in the inhibition of fat cell growth and differentiation, increased glucose uptake, a reduction in fat production, and a decease in the production of chemicals associated with inflammation.  Additionally, many of these changes were dependent on activation of Sirtuin1, a gene that reportedly has anti-obesity and anti-aging benefits.

Overall, this cell culture study suggests that resveratrol modifies the growth, development, and function of human fat cells.  Furthermore, these changes are such that the effects of resveratrol might reduce the risk of obesity and obesity-related health conditions.  While it appears that resveratrol and resveratrol-rich foods might have health and weight management benefits, research with human subjects needs to be done to determine if the benefits observed in cell culture and animals studies translates to human benefits.  Nonetheless, resveratrol-rich foods like red grapes and peanuts can be a healthy part of well balanced diet.

Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant phytochemicals are a vital part of a healthy diet plan.  My easy diet plan is a great way to control your calorie intake while enjoying delicious protein rich, low-glycemic foods. 

Vigorous Exercise Reduces Cellular Aging

Telomeres are complexes composed of protein and DNA that cap the ends of the chromosomes in our body's cells.  Because telomeres shorten as we age, they have become a cellular marker of biological age.  Additionally, short telomere length has been linked to a number of chronic diseases and possibly early death.   Interestingly, telomere length appears to be modified by a variety of factors including diet, body size and stress.  A number of studies have reported that greater amounts of perceived stress are associated with shorter telomere length.  However, few studies have evaluated the ability of stress-reducing interventions to protect telomeres.

In a new anti-aging research study (full paper is free to read), investigators examined the effect of exercise on stress and telomere length.  Previous research has suggested that stress has a negative impact on human health and that this might be due to a link between chronic stress and telemore length. Other studies have shown a positive link between exercise and longer telomere length.  This new study was conducted to more clearly define the possible relationships between stress, exercise, and telomere length. 

For this new anti-aging study, investigators divided 63 postmenopausal with different stress levels into either Sedentary or Active groups based on their level of physical activity.  The women classified as Active met the CDC-recommended amount of daily activity.  The odds of the study subjects having long or short telomeres were calculated based on their amount of exercise and their perceived stress level.  The study investigators reported that:

• Volunteers with high perceived stress levels were less active and had shorter telomeres.
• Among non-exercisers, each increase in perceived stress increased the odds of having shorter telomeres by 15 times.
• Among volunteers who exercised, telomere length was not affected by stress levels.
• Analysis of different levels of physical activity indicated that the benefits of exercise on telomere length were achieved by at least 15 minutes of vigorous activity per day.

These are fascinating research results, which suggest an anti-aging benefit of short periods of vigorous physical activity.  This study suggests that (1) high levels of chronic stress are linked to shorter telomeres and therefore a shorter cellular lifespan and (2) short periods of physical activity can protect our telomeres from stress-related shortening.  It is thought that exercise might protect telomeres by increasing the enzyme needed to prevent or slow telomere breakdown, though this theory requires additional testing.  While exercise appears to have an anti-aging benefit, stressed individuals are reportedly less likely to exercise.  This makes it imperative to develop physical activity programs targeted towards highly stressed individuals, individuals who might possibly derive some of the greatest benefits from exercise.

Exercise is an important aspect of any healthy weight management plan,  My easy diet plan recommends 30-45 minutes of walking or other physical activity you enjoy 6 days per week.  Visit us at www.drtabor.com to learn more.