The History of Resveratrol
The History of Resveratrol
It has been known for a long, long time that a glass of red wine a day is extremely good for one`s health. However, it took scientists quite some time to figure out that it is exactly the consumption of red wine that makes the French so healthy despite their infamous bad eating habits. The fact that the French rarely suffered from cardiovascular diseases although they led an unhealthy life style was so peculiar that it was even given a name – the French paradox.
It was soon discovered that a compound, called resveratrol, was responsible for making a tremendous impact on all kinds of health issues. However, the substance itself had originally been discovered and mentioned in 1939, in an article written by Japanese scientists. Unfortunately, it wasn`t until the late nineties that resveratrol became the topic of numerous studies.
Initially, the diversity of its beneficial effects was not something that scientists were aware of. Except for having an effect of cardiovascular diseases, other benefits were not really investigated. Then in 1997, it was realized that the substance was able to extend the lifespan of certain organisms. Subsequently, studies about the effects resveratrol has on aging were carried out.
In 2006, it was once more confirmed that that substance can increase the lifespan of a very short-lived fish. However, this was not all. The fish in question was more alert and more active, suggesting that there is much more to resveratrol than just its ability to protect the heart and extend life.
During the same year, it was reported that with a high fat diet and the consumption of resveratrol at the same time, there was no weight gain whatsoever. In fact, weight loss is expected even without being physically active.
However, what astonished people the most was the effect that this substance can potentially have on cancer. Studies on breast, prostate and colon cancer suggest that the substance is a plausible cure or can be the key to finally finding one.
Even though the beneficial effects of resveratrol have been known for a few decades, the exact mechanism of how the substance works has not yet been explained in detail. What is known so far is that it has something to do with the activation of certain genes and the production of certain enzymes.
With so much interest in this compound, it is not surprising that the number of companies who manufacture resveratrol dietary supplements is getting bigger and bigger. Nowadays, there are literally hundreds of different products, most of which are quite good.
Scientists are still working on figuring out what else resveratrol can do to help us become healthier. One of the most prominent scientists that took an interest in this substance and were able to provide us with new discoveries and helpful explanations are certainly Sinclair and his associates, whose work suggests that we are in for some more amazing stories about this powerful substance.
