How To Slow Aging With Resveratrol

Resveratrol, a plant polyphenol, has gained attention for its effectiveness in increasing the life span of yeast and invertebrates, and slowing the onset of age-related diseases in rodents. Resveratrol seems to mimic the effects of calorie restriction in affecting longevity. Due to its potential to both prolong life and protect against diseases associated with aging--perhaps even to protect against cancer--it's worth including resveratrol in your diet. Resveratrol may also protect against cognitive decline. It showed positive effects on memory and physical performance in pre-clinical models at the University of Florida, ClinicalTrials.gov reports.

Step 1

Select red wine over white wine, if you drink wine. In the wine-making process, red wine remains in contact with the grape skins longer, providing resveratrol content.

Step 2

Drink Concord grape juice rather than sodas to help increase the resveratrol in your diet and reduce empty calories.

Step 3

Use fresh blueberries for desserts. The traditional Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh fruit rather than sugar-laden desserts. This diet is rich in resveratrol and associated with longevity and healthy aging.

Step 4

Snack on peanuts and add cranberries to main dishes or chutney--a relish served with meats and other dishes. Add dried cranberries and peanuts to trail mix for a convenient way to increase your resveratrol intake. Carry your resveratrol-rich trail mix with you as an alternative to unhealthy foods. Substituting healthy whole food high in resveratrol for snack foods high in sugar or fat will help you reduce empty calories--and take in more antioxidants and fiber in addition to resveratrol.

Tips and Warnings

Grape juice, particularly grape juice made from Concord grapes, may offer similar heart benefits as red wine, because Concord grapes contain resveratrol, cardiologist Martha Grogan, M.D., states on MayoClinic.com. Eating Concord grapes may also have benefits. Antioxidants, including the polyphenol resveratrol, help to protect your body from damage by free radicals.
Resveratrol supplements are available, but as of 2010, there's no information on the effects of ongoing concentrated doses of resveratrol. The resveratrol-rich Mediterranean diet offers a safe way to increase your resveratrol intake, and helps protect against diabetes and obesity. Consult your doctor and pharmacist about diet changes and supplement use; some foods and supplements may interact with medications. Limit alcohol, including red wine with resveratrol, to one drink a day for women and two a day for men, MedlinePlus advises. A serving of wine is defined as 5 oz.