The dramatic extension of longevity has caused the phenomenon in Burgundy to be called the French Paradox. There is a paradox because of the high fat, poor diet consumed by the population of Burgundy. They have better cardiovascular health than most Westerners, especially residents in the U.S.  Life expectancies for the French are increased as much as 46% in Burgundy, France.

Heart failure, due to a lack of energy production from the mitochondria, plus inflammatory atherosclerosis, are the main factors in heart disease. Resveratrol greatly reduces cardiovascular disease. Resveratrol is the best documented cause of increased longevity. (It also inhibits other degenerative diseases, and which also extend lifespans.) It stimulates a longevity gene, SIRT-1

In animal studies, mice fed unhealthy dietary fats, which caused free radicals damage, were studied. This bad diet  confirmed that indeed oxidative damage was reduced by resveratrol and life expectancy increased. In other words, despite a poor diet and exposure to free radicals, the resveratrol supplemented mice lived longer and had more physical endurance.

All degenerative diseases can benefit from a reduction of free radicals. Free radicals are of the utmost importance in all degenerative diseases. A heart healthy diet and good supplements make sense to stay healthy and live longer. Supplements like resveratrol that are strong anti oxidants that provide disease resistance and long life.

What are the health benefits that resveratrol researchers find?

• Fewer heart attacks
• Less damage from strokes
• Better cognition
• Less fat accumulation
• Superior immune system against viruses, cancers
• Youthful stamina and physical activity & youthful appearance

Some scholars began to question, was resveratrol alone the full cause of increased life expectancy? It turns out  there are signs of a other factors.

Dr. Jay Rowen, M.D. reports in its June 2009 newsletter, Second Opinion,  there is another factor in the red wine that contributes to longevity. It comes to light from research conducted by the University of California at Davis. Dr Andrew Waterhouse, professor there, says that ingredients called saponins are present not only in the resveratrol, but also in the wine itself. They come from the wax of the grape skins.

Research shows that saponins are plant sterols similar to cholesterol, but they are not damaging;  rather, they are useful for your health in two ways. They are a substitute for cholesterol. They 1. help prevent LDL cholesterol accumulation in the arteries plus 2. they are antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

Antioxidants reduce free radical damage to your DNA and the genetic code it  influences. Damaged DNA produces diseased cells that leads to all kinds of degenerative diseases like cancer and coronary artery disease.

The point is this.  Resveratrol, found in red grape skins and red wine alone, has proven to give greater life expectancy.

A small daily amount of red wine appears to be a health benefit. This is not an excuse for overindulgence in wine.  One to two glasses a day is enough.

Overindulgence is not a good thing because it can cause injury by hepatic cirrhosis and disruption of health .  At this point, good resveratrol supplements are the best answer to life for most people. Researcher Dr. Carrie Doenell reports weight loss and energy improvement of 75%. She recommends a supplement of 125 mg per day…Denis Van Loan D.D.S.

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