It seems to be human nature to seek out some kind of magical elixir to extend life and improve performance; to turn back the clock on aging and poor living.

One of the newer substances being proffered as a cure-all is resveratrol.

Studies from the prestigious Harvard Medical School and the Institute of Genetics and Molecular and Cellular Biology in Illkirch, France show that Resveratrol, a component of red wine, has produced remarkable results in lab mice. Resveratrol dosed rodents were able to run twice their normal distance before succumbing to exhaustion.

In its simplified tabloid promotional format, Resveratrol promises an athletic performance improvement of 100 percent, increased energy, protection against degenerative diseases and a longer life span.

Dr. Ronald M. Evans, a leading expert on the hormonal control of metabolism at the Salk Institute, said that the report by Dr. Auwerx’s team had “shown very convincingly that resveratrol improves mitochondrial function” and fends off metabolic disease. Dr. Evans described the study as “very important, because it is rare that we identify orally active molecules,
especially natural molecules, that have such a broad-based, positive effect on a problem as widespread in society as
metabolic disease.” (ref:NY Times).

Other research results have consistently shown that resvetratrol acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.

Resveratrol itself is a plant-derived, polyphenolic (polyphenols are responsible for the coloring of some plants) organic
compound most commonly present in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Present in wine (mostly red, some white) and in grape juice, it is also present in raspberries, cranberries, blueberries and some lesser-known berries, in peanuts, in
certain types of pine trees, and in a few other plants most particularly Japanese knotweed.

In plants, resveratrol functions as a phytoalexin, a substance produced by plants that can inhibit the growth of infecting fungi or other pathogens.Grapes are not necessarily the most cost effective source of resveratrol as peanuts contain around half as much resveratrol as the amounts present in red wine; making it an option also for teetotalers.

Resveratrol is not necessary for healthy nutrition, it’s best regarded as a nutraceutical. It is metabolized and excreted
fairly rapidly after oral ingestion, and some supplement manufacturers have successfully turned to transdermal cream applications to improve bioavailability.
As with any supplement you must first seek the advice of your medical practitioner before embarking on any kind of resveratrol regime and before that closely examine your diet, lifestyle and training programmes to ensure there are not far simpler, cheaper and certain steps to be taken that can reduce inflammation, improve recovery and general health. It’s important to note that uncertainties still exist over what a safe and effective dose of resveratrol might be.

There is no such thing as a (red) silver bullet.

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