Cellular Health

Mitochondria: The Missing Link Between Stress and Anxiety?

In recent years, there has been a slew of new findings that demonstrate the link between mitochondrial function and stress and anxiety. Understanding the scientific tenets of mental health issues and learning more about mitochondrial function can help you to understand how boosting the health of your mitochondria may help reduce the risk of developing a serious anxiety disorder.

Understanding the Complexities of Anxiety

It is normal to experience anxiety at various times of your life. While a certain level of anxiety is healthy, it can quickly spiral into a serious medical disorder. It can often be challenging to distinguish between typical feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder that can become debilitating if not treated correctly.

Healthy anxiety is often the result of an acute event or worrisome trigger. However, severe anxiety is defined as anxious feelings that are vastly out of proportion to a normal stressor. When the level of anxiety does not match the event triggering it, you may be dealing with a mental health issue which may be diagnosed as a serious problem that necessitates medical intervention.

Common Symptoms and Causes of Anxiety

Severe anxiety can present itself in a variety of ways. Some of the most common symptoms include increased blood pressure, nausea, rapid heart rate and the inability to participate in everyday life functions. Those individuals with generalized anxiety disorder may also have difficulties sleeping and concentrating on tasks.

It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact causes anxiety. It is also possible for numerous factors to work together to lead to anxiety disorder. Individuals with anxiety often have a genetic disposition to developing the disorder. Environmental stressors, such as work issues and family problems, may also cause an anxiety disorder to develop. Other causes include medical factors, problems with brain chemistry and withdrawals from addictive substances. If anxiety is negatively affecting your life, it is important that you seek the help of a trained medical professional to address the issue.

What are Mitochondria and Why Are They Essential?

In order to fully understand the relationship between anxiety and mitochondrial function, you need to know more about mitochondria and their function in relation to overall health. Known as the cells’ powerhouses, the primary function of the mitochondria is to turn food into energy that the cells can harness and use. In addition to providing crucial energy, mitochondria also decide when old and malfunctioning cells should be destroyed. Mitochondria also absorb calcium ions and release them to the body when needed.

Your cells’ mitochondria will gradually start to deteriorate as you age. Malfunctioning mitochondria have been demonstrated to be contributing factors to a variety of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Mitochondria that are not functioning at optimal levels may also cause extreme fatigue and muscle weakness.

Are Stress and Anxiety Linked to Mitochondrial Function?

A recent study has found that the cells’ mitochondria may also affect an individual’s risk of developing anxiety as well as susceptibility to stress. In the study, two strains of mice — one of which was genetically more resilient to stress and another that was less resilient — were subjected to stressful stimuli for ten days.

At the end of the study, noticeable changes in protein levels and gene expression were observed in both groups of mice in the BNST (bed nucleus of the stria terminalis), a portion of the brain linked to stress-related mental health conditions. Specifically, in the strain of mice who were more susceptible to stress, certain genes were expressed at lower levels, while in the stress-resistant mice, those same genes were expressed at higher levels. The genes in question happened to be intrinsically linked to mitochondrial function.

Another human study examined 21 participants who suffered from panic disorder. Researchers triggered panic attacks in the participants, drawing blood prior to the panic attack, one hour after the panic attack and 24 hours later. Upon examining gene expression in each of the blood samples, they noted mitochondria-associated changes similar to the mice who were susceptible to stress; namely, a reduction in the level of certain mitochondrial genes.

This suggests that a lower expression of these important mitochondrial genes just may be one of the biological mechanisms behind stress-related anxiety.

How You Can Support Mitochondrial Health

Whether or not you currently experience a higher susceptibility to stress or anxiety symptoms, the good news is that there are a number of ways that you can boost overall mitochondrial health.

Get Moving

Like most health issues, a regular exercise routine can go a long way in helping you to support optimal body function. Physical activity is an exceptional way to boost mitochondrial biogenesis in muscles as they grow older. This will help to mitigate the risks of age-related decline in the mitochondria, improving overall muscle health and function.

Rest and Relaxation

Getting adequate rest assists the brain in keeping mitochondrial functioning at optimal levels by ridding toxic by-products that may prove harmful to the cells. In addition, being mindful about practicing relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises, will also help to improve mitochondrial health.

Calorie Restriction

Medical care providers have found the most success in enhancing the longevity of mitochondria through the process of caloric restriction. Fasting diets trigger the mitochondria to adapt in ways that encourage healthy mitochondrial function on many levels.

Soak Up the Sun

Although you want to take care to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays, a healthy amount of vitamin D will support the mitochondrial oxidative capacity in the body’s muscles.

Nourish the Body

There are also a host of nutrients that may encourage superior mitochondrial function by enhancing the cellular antioxidant defenses and guarding against oxidation. Nutrients that support healthy mitochondria include the family of B vitamins, creatine and various minerals and polyphenols.

Supplements Targeting Mitochondrial Function

In addition to the above lifestyle changes, there are also supplements that you can take to support healthy mitochondrial function. Supplements like Mitochron supply the mitochondria with crucial enzymes and vitamins that help to guard against burnout while also protecting against cellular oxidative damage.

While the exact connection between mitochondrial health, stress and anxiety is still unclear, understanding what research has already demonstrated can go a long way in helping you to support healthy mitochondrial function for better mental health.

The Little-Known Link Between Mitochondria and Anxiety

Jun 17 by Ewcopywriting

Mental health issues are some of the least-understood medical conditions. Unlike many physical health issues that present with a clear path for treatment, individuals who suffer from mental health concerns are often not able to find ways to alleviate their symptoms. One promising field of research based on the newly discovered link between mitochondria and anxiety examines how the functioning of the body’s mitochondria may affect a variety of mental health concerns.

What Are Mitochondria and Why Are They Important

Accounting for approximately 20 percent of an individual’s body weight, mitochondria are present in every cell except for red blood cells. As a cell’s source of power, mitochondria play a critical part in the overall function of the body and mind. Because they deliver power, cells that require energy house more mitochondria.

Poor mitochondrial function can lead to a host of physical and mental health issues. Understanding the connection between the health of the mitochondria and your overall health can help you to take steps to protect these cellular powerhouses. While most people develop problems with mitochondria as they age, there is a small percentage of people who are born with mitochondrial DNA health issues.

Understanding the Relationship Between Mitochondria and Anxiety

Scientists and doctors have established a connection between the health of a body’s mitochondria and mental health. Because of this connection, targeting mitochondrial function may be helpful in treating stress-related disorders and other mental health issues. It is important to note that there is not one single way to treat mental health disorders. Using a multi-faceted approach that includes examining the effect of mitochondrial function will yield the best results.

While mitochondria problems may be the culprit behind a variety of mental health issues such as depression and mood disorders, they are also often the driving force of anxiety. A diagnosis of excessive anxiety covers a wide array of conditions that present as irrational worry, fear and panic. In the U.S., it is estimated that over 18 percent of the population have an anxiety disorder.

Both animal and human studies have identified a link between mitochondrial function and the development of anxiety. Animal studies have specifically demonstrated that mitochondria therapy may be instrumental in protecting the mitochondria and reducing anxiety in mice.

Individuals who suffer from high anxiety often present with issues of energy metabolism and oxidative stress alterations. What scientists do definitively know is that this is a bidirectional link. This means that oxidative stress alterations and energy metabolism are observed with individuals with high anxiety. Likewise, changes in the function of the mitochondria may also be a cause of the heightened levels of anxiety. Because of this bidirectional link, many physicians believe that the pharmacological manipulation of mitochondria may be a successful treatment to help those that suffer from excessive anxiety.

How to Test Mitochondrial Function

Despite modern advances in medicine, there is no set way to test mitochondrial function. Part of the problem is that these types of disorders are often masked by other non-specific symptoms of additional health issues. Many physicians discover the mitochondrial issue by checking iron levels, insulin function, various hormonal production and more. For the most definitive diagnosis, healthcare providers look to muscle biopsies for guidance. An adrenal stress test can also provide clues about the function of the mitochondria.

One of the reasons why this issue is challenging to diagnose is because there are so many problems that affect mitochondria function. Precursors of this issue include hyperglycemia, inflammation, iron toxicity and excessive stress. These health problems often lead to increased levels of mitochondrial DNA damage, affecting the ability of the mitochondria to sustain energy production within the cells.

How to Protect the Cells’ Mitochondria

There are a number of steps that you can take to heal mitochondria or prevent future issues. Like most health issues, getting enough sleep, eating well, engaging in regular exercise and being diligent about reducing stressors in your life will all help to heal these damaged mitochondria.

In addition, there are products that you can take that will protect the cells’ mitochondria against oxidative damage while nourishing them at the same time. Mitochron is a natural, chronobiological formula that helps to protect the cells against burnout so that you enjoy increased energy levels.

While there is still more to understand about the function of mitochondria, it is clear that these pockets of cellular power may hold a key in helping physicians to treat a wide array of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. As more becomes known about the function of mitochondria, the medical profession is hopeful that this knowledge can be harnessed to deliver effective results to those who struggle with mental health issues.

New Research Suggests Exercise Protects Against Prostate Cancer

Jun 10 by Ewcopywriting

The prostate, located between the penis and the bladder, is an essential part of the male reproductive system as it creates a fluid that’s used to carry sperm and keep it in a liquid state. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for men to develop prostate cancer, and while men of any age can develop this condition, it’s more likely to affect older men. A new study finds that exercise protects against prostate cancer, adding to the natural ways that men can reduce their risks for this type of cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Overall, prostate cancer is a widespread problem: As the American Cancer Society reports, there were 174,650 new cases in 2019. A total of 31,620 deaths were also attributed to prostate cancer last year. While advanced prostate cancer can be fatal, getting an early diagnosis will improve the effectiveness of treatment. When diagnosed early enough, standard treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are effective in eradicating this type of cancer.

Causes and Risk Factors

About half of men develop prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) cells as they age. These are precancerous cells that increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. PIN cells are usually not cancerous as they start out, but may become cancerous over time. Even if they do become cancerous, they may be low-grade cancer cells, which means they will not spread and grow. However, in some cases, the PIN cells do become high-grade cancer cells, which means they will multiply and spread cancer to other cells. This condition does require treatment.

While we don’t know what causes PIN cells to develop as men age, there are certain risk factors for prostate cancer. The following risk factors can affect whether or not someone will develop prostate cancer:

Age: Men over 50 are more likely to be affected.
Race: Black males are most likely to develop prostate cancer, followed by white males. Asian and Hispanic males are least likely to develop the condition.
Heredity: A family history of prostate cancer also raises the risks.
Genetics: Defective BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may also increase your risk of contracting this type of cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

difficulty initiating and maintaining a urine stream
unusually frequent need to urinate
bloody semen or urine
pain during urination, or during ejaculation
erectile dysfunction
experiencing pain when in a sitting position, which is the result of an enlarged prostate

Research Suggests Exercise Protects Against Prostate Cancer

While some risk factors for developing prostate cancer are known, research has focused on finding additional factors that influence who is more likely to get the disease. Some of this research has found that a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamin E and calcium, does increase the risk of prostate cancer. While ensuring you get enough of these nutrients can help, a newer study suggests physical activity also plays an important role.

A joint study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Bristol found evidence that exercise protects against prostate cancer. The researchers examined the medical records for 79,148 men who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, alongside the records for 61,106 men who were cancer-free. They compared these records to the known risk factors for developing prostate cancer.

Examining the records, researchers found that those who had a genetic predisposition for being physically active had a 51 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

Although the study looked at a total of 22 risk factors, the researchers noted that exercise and physical activity had the biggest impact on the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Dr. Sarah Lewis, who co-authored the study, suggested that men can reduce their risks for prostate cancer by living more physically active lifestyles.

Natural Ways to Reduce Your Risks for Prostate Cancer

In addition to getting more exercise, there are more natural ways to reduce prostate cancer risks. Here are a few suggestions.

Eat Red Foods

Tomatoes, watermelon and other fruits with a red pulp contain a compound called lycopene. This is a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer for men. While research is ongoing, it’s believed that redder tomatoes contain more potent concentrations of lycopene.

Add More Plant-Based Foods

While eating more red foods may boost your resistance to prostate cancer, all plant-based foods can help. By eating a broad range of fruits and vegetables, you’ll be giving your body an ample supply of nutrients to boost your immune system and fight off all types of cancer.

Take a Dietary Supplement

Adding a supplement to your daily routine can also help you maintain the nutrients your body needs to guard against prostate cancer. Prostachron is specifically formulated with vitamins and other nutrients that help support a healthy immune system and guard against the development of prostate cancer.

Lose Weight

Limiting your calorie intake and getting more physical activity will help you get your weight under control. Obesity weakens your immune system and promotes the conditions that encourage the growth of cancer cells, so getting your weight under control can have a significant impact on prostate health.

Increase Your Coffee Consumption

Some research indicates that drinking three to four cups of coffee each day can decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer. The 2014 study indicated that every three cups of coffee consumed decreased prostate cancer risk by 11 percent. The researchers also noted that boiling coffee, instead of brewing it, also had an impact on the study’s results.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

May 13 by Ewcopywriting

Bitter melon is a little-known fruit that looks very similar to the cucumber and zucchini, which is because it comes from the same family of plants. While each type of food offers some health benefits, bitter melon may surpass its relatives in what it can do for the human body. Among the vast health benefits of bitter melon, recent research finds that this plant food may promote healthy cell growth, helping to protect against the spread of cancer.

What is Bitter Melon?

Originating in South India, bitter melon was first imported by China in the 1300s and, as it gained popularity, was highly exported to Africa and parts of the Caribbean. The food is particularly bitter, which is how it gets its name, and for that reason has become a staple food in Asian cuisine.

It’s long been known that bitter melon is good for human health, particularly because it’s low in calories. At just 20 calories per cup, you can satisfy hunger cravings without filling up on large amounts of calories. Additionally, bitter melon is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Some of the nutritional benefits it provides includes significant servings of vitamins A, B6, C and D. Additionally, it’s packed with calcium, iron and magnesium.

Beyond these essential nutrients, research has found that bitter melon may be responsible for helping us guard against common health conditions that can affect longevity and overall quality of life. For instance, some recent research has found that bitter melon may encourage healthy cell growth, helping to protect against the spread of certain types of cancer.

How Does Bitter Melon Promote Healthy Cell Growth?

A study conducted at Missouri’s Saint Louis University used mice to determine how bitter melon affected the development and spread of cancerous tumors. In the first stage of the study, bitter melon extract was injected into various types of cancer cells, including those from breast and prostate cancer subjects. In this initial part of the research, it was found that the extract seemed to prevent the spread of cancer cells, but Professor Ratna Ray, who headed the project, wanted to confirm those findings.

Using laboratory mice with tongue cancer, the research team looked to see how and why bitter melon appeared to discourage the spread of cancerous cells. In uninterrupted conditions, the body allows fat and glucose to feed cancer cells, which helps them grow and multiply. However, once the bitter melon extract was introduced into the cancer cells, those cells were no longer able to draw nourishment from that process. As a result, cancer cells were unable to continue to spread.

The results were similar in other types of animal testing, showing that the bitter melon extract limited cancer growth by nearly 50 percent in all studies. Additionally, the extract was able to kill the cancer cells to which it was exposed in some of the tests.

While these results are promising, Professor Ray says results in human subjects may differ. She hopes to duplicate the findings in human cancer patients to prove that bitter melon can be effective in promoting healthy cell growth and discouraging the spread of various types of cancer. In the meantime, bitter melon is still a healthy food and can benefit anyone who adds it to their diet. In fact, there are many more health benefits of bitter melon; some of them are listed below.

Additional Health Benefits of Bitter Melon

Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels

In a 90-day study, researchers monitored the blood sugar levels for 24 adults, who were administered daily doses of bitter melon extract. They found that the 2,000 mg daily dose of bitter melon was sufficient to lower blood sugar levels and keep hemoglobin A1c regulated. Hemoglobin A1c is used to test the glucose levels in diabetics.

In a similar study, but with 40 participants, the same amount of bitter melon was helpful in moderating blood sugar levels. More importantly, the researchers in this study found that the bitter melon extract decreased the amount of fructosamine. Lower fructosamine meant subjects exhibited better regulated blood sugar over a longer period of time.

Boosts Heart Health

An individual with high cholesterol will develop the buildup of plaque in their blood vessels, which can interfere with the functioning of the heart. Since slower blood flow forces the heart to work harder, the risk of heart failure is increased.

In a study on bitter melon extract, researchers found that the fruit helped reduce cholesterol levels in mice. As a result, heart health was improved, and the risk of heart failure was reduced. In a related study, researchers noted that the amount of bitter melon administered correlated to the amount of cholesterol in the blood, meaning greater amounts of bitter melon reduced cholesterol levels by that much more.

Helps Weight Loss

Finally, bitter melon can help you maintain a healthy weight in two ways. As previously mentioned, it’s a low-calorie food, so you can eat more of it without ingesting a high amount of calories. Additionally, each one-cup serving contains two grams of fiber. Since the digestive system takes longer to process fiber, foods that are high in fiber help us to manager hunger and appetite. This ensures you’ll eat less, so your body will burn more stored fat throughout the day.

There’s also research that suggests bitter melon is effective in helping the body burn more belly fat. Subjects in one study were given a daily dose of 4.8 grams of bitter melon extract. They lost about 0.5 inches, or 1.3 cm, of their stomach circumference over a seven week trial period.

Even as research continues to discover the benefits that bitter melon provides, it’s already clear that this fruit is beneficial to human health. Taking a supplement that contains bitter melon can help you stay healthier, and may protect cellular health and heart health, help you to maintain a healthy weight, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. While it shouldn’t be viewed as a cure in itself, it can help you better control your health by possibly reducing risks to your overall health.

Is Resveratrol Responsible for the Health Benefits of Red Wine?

Apr 30 by Ewcopywriting

While there are many proven health benefits of red wine, the majority can be attributed to one specific compound found in the grapes used to make the wine. This plant constituent is called resveratrol, and it’s the compound that helps give color to the skin of red grapes. It also helps protect grapes from fungal infections, droughts, extreme sun exposure and other environmental threats. While the resveratrol in red grapes helps the plant thrive in adverse environmental conditions, the protections it provides are not restricted to plant life.

Resveratrol: A Potent Antioxidant

Aside from the protective role it plays in grape plants, resveratrol contains antioxidants that are also extremely beneficial to human health. The high content of resveratrol in red wine delivers powerful antioxidants into the blood supply, which help to protect against free radicals in the body.

Free radicals are molecules that oxidize the cells throughout the body, making them more susceptible to damage and infection. The number of free radicals rises during times of stress and when an individual suffers from chronic inflammation, causing an increase in the risks of developing obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer and other disorders. However, the antioxidants that resveratrol provides help to destabilize free radicals and eliminate their ability to negatively affect other molecules throughout the body.

Antioxidants protect us from free radicals in other ways as well. By allowing free radicals to oxidize the antioxidants themselves, the free radicals are discouraged from going after the healthy cells in the body. This reduces the overall number of free radicals circulating in the body, helping to decrease the risk of certain illnesses.

Resveratrol is one of the best compounds from which to derive antioxidant support because the body is able to absorb it with little difficulty. This plant constituent is also very active, which means its antioxidant power is readily available for use. So, in addition to being beneficial once introduced into the body, resveratrol makes it easier for the body to absorb antioxidants. This process allows resveratrol to promote several specific health benefits, such as those listed below.

What Are the Health Benefits of Red Wine?

Heart Health

There have been several studies over the years that have established a link between drinking red wine in moderation and exhibiting better heart health. In particular, a study conducted last year found that drinking red wine could reduce the risks of developing coronary heart disease, which is a condition that’s responsible for the most U.S. deaths. To achieve these benefits without experiencing the negative effects that alcohol can bring, men should limit themselves to two glasses of red wine per day, while women should only drink one glass daily.

Gut Health

The gut microbiome is a community of trillions of microorganisms that help the body function. This community relies on the introduction of a diverse selection of bacteria, derived from natural sources. The resveratrol and other compounds found in red wine act as prebiotics, which the gut uses to promote a more varied array of helpful bacteria. While research concerning the effects of red wine on the gut microbiome continue, current findings suggest the prebiotics red wine provides are helpful in maintaining a healthy gut.

Type 2 Diabetes

While drinking other types of alcoholic beverages may actually pose a greater risk to those suffering from type 2 diabetes, drinking red wine may be helpful. In a 2015 study, subjects who drank red wine exhibited lower blood sugar levels, which researchers attributed to the ethanol in the wine. They believe the ethanol and the natural compounds in the red grapes used to make the wine worked together to improve the metabolism of the subjects.

Hypertension

One of the more commonly known benefits of red wine is that drinking it in moderation can help to lower blood pressure. It does this by increasing the level of HDL, or good cholesterol, in the blood supply. Resveratrol contains compounds called procyanidins, which act to improve the health of blood vessels throughout the body. In addition to raising HDL levels, this helps ensure healthy blood flow throughout the blood vessels.

Post-Stroke Brain Damage

Drinking red wine after suffering a stroke can help protect against secondary brain damage. This is largely due to the fact that that the antioxidants in resveratrol help to modulate inflammation and oxidative stress, which would otherwise promote more cell death in the brain.

Vision Loss

As we get older, we become more susceptible to conditions that can affect our ability to see well. Partial or complete vision loss can result from glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts or macular degeneration. Since the antioxidants in red wine help to protect against oxidative stress, the inflammation that increases the risks of developing these conditions is also reduced. While it’s necessary to take other steps to protect your vision, moderate red wine consumption can also help.

Cancer

While excessive alcohol consumption can cause a broad range of health problems, including raising the risks of certain types of cancer, the moderate consumption of red wine can be beneficial. Observational studies have found that women who moderately consume red wine on a regular basis are less likely to develop breast cancer. Researchers believe this is because the wine reduces estrogen levels, while increasing testosterone in older women. While research is ongoing, the occasional glass of red wine may help protect against more types of cancer.

New Study Bolsters Claim That Resveratrol Supports Healthy Aging

Apr 23 by Ewcopywriting

Multiple research studies have now confirmed that the compound resveratrol supports healthy aging by protecting the body from a host of potential issues. Read on for more information about what resveratrol is, how you can incorporate this powerful naturally-occurring compound into your diet and how it can help you to lead a healthier and longer life.

What is Reservatrol?

Reservatrol is found naturally in red grapes, red wine, peanuts, pistachios, blueberries, raspberries and dark chocolate. The compound is most highly concentrated in the skin of red grapes. This polyphenol antioxidant is an antimicrobial compound produced by plants to protect against environmental challenges such as harsh climate changes and too much dangerous ultraviolet light. In recent years, researchers have discovered promising ways that resveratrol may slow down the aging process, as it offers the body a multitude of protections.

Studies Discover Resveratrol Supports Healthy Aging

Research from two major studies support the belief that resveratrol supports healthy aging. A study in 2013 by Harvard Medical School revealed that resveratrol stimulates the production of SIRT1. This serum serves a powerful function by blocking diseases as it accelerates the cell’s natural energy centers.

While most drugs strive to slow or block the production of SIR1, resveratrol actually speeds it up. This enhanced SIR1 production leads to the anti-aging benefits attributed to resveratrol. More recently, a study out of London’s King’s College found that resveratrol in red wine will protect the health of the gut as well.

The Benefits of Resveratrol

It is easy to see how resveratrol could potentially be a vital part of your anti-aging efforts when you examine all of its vast health benefits in detail.

Cognitive Benefits

New research is now showing encouraging results in the use of resveratrol for supporting a healthy mood. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol also show promise in fighting off age-related cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s disease. By guarding against cognitive decline, resveratrol can be a useful addition to your diet as you age.

Gut Health

The gut protection provided by resveratrol is thought to be a result of the compound working to support a more diverse range of bacteria in the essential gut microbiome. As a result of experiencing improved gut health, the red wine drinkers in the study at London King’s College enjoyed a reduced risk of developing obesity while also lowering their overall levels of cholesterol. A healthy gut can also boost the body’s natural immunity.

Pain Relief

Resveratrol may also help to soothe minor joint pain caused by conditions such as arthritis by helping to prevent cartilage from breaking down. As the resveratrol protects against inflammation in the body, joints are less likely to experience damage.

Diabetes Research

Reservatrol may also help protect against type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity. In addition, those with diabetes may see benefits from resveratrol, as it helps the body to metabolize glucose more effectively by activating the AMPK protein while also decreasing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress. Taken together, these benefits can significantly alter the way the body is able to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Overall Health Advantages

In addition to boosting a healthy gut microbiome and providing cognitive benefits, resveratrol also guards against a myriad of afflictions that plague people as they age. By increasing the production of nitric oxide, resveratrol may also be helpful in helping to maintain blood pressure within normal ranges and protecting heart health. While there is not as much research on this particular benefit yet, many researchers are hopeful that resveratrol may have a place in helping to support cellular health by promoting healthy cell growth.

What the Study Results Mean

With so many benefits spread across many facets of physical and mental health, resveratrol deserves a prominent spot in everyone’s daily diet. Because many Western diets do not naturally include this compound, you may have to be purposeful about consuming it; you can find a high-quality resveratrol supplement online or at your local health food store.

Be warned that health experts agree that too much resveratrol is not necessarily a good thing. While it is a good idea to be intentional about consuming foods rich in resveratrol in order to encourage healthy aging, remember that too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. As with most things in life, moderation is key. As researchers continue to unlock more about this powerful antioxidant, there will certainly be more guidance on how to use it to potentially slow down the aging process.

Next time you raise that glass of red wine, you can do so with the knowledge that you are providing your body with proven anti-aging benefits. Being intentional about consuming resveratrol will pay significant health benefits both now and further down the road.