Life can be demanding. Balancing work, family and a social life can demand more energy than busy moms have. Fatigue can make it difficult to get through a stressful day, but some women have found that they can cope better through a change in lifestyle and diet. The latest research shows that certain foods and food supplements containing concentrated plant polyphenols may activate ‘longevity or survival genes,’ which can increase energy and endurance, allowing us to get through demanding days with ease. Resveratrol, found in red wine and grapes, is the most powerful of these gene-activating polyphenols. A natural, plant-based supplement, resveratrol has been shown in scientific studies to actually increase stamina and energy, slow the aging process and prolong life.

How Aging Affects Your Body
As we age, the physical processes that keep our cells healthy begin to decline. In some cells, such as brain cells, our body ceases to repair and regenerate them almost entirely. This leads to increased fatigue, lower mood levels and difficulty keeping up with a full day. Fluctuating or depleted hormone levels due to decreased cellular activity can sometimes lead to excessive stress and an overall poor state of health. Poor diet and exercise may lead to signs of premature aging.

What is Resveratrol?
Resveratrol is extracted from the skin, stem and vine of grapes and other plants. These molecules are natural antioxidants that can protect cells from free radical damage, which is the root cause of much of the cellular deterioration seen with aging. Scientists discovered resveratrol while investigating something known as the French Paradox. While individuals in America and France have similar diets, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease. Red wine, lauded for its antioxidant properties and heart benefits, was believed to be responsible for this paradox.

How the Supplement Works
The active form of resveratrol, trans-resveratrol, activates the ‘longevity gene,’ otherwise known as the survival gene. When activated, this gene enhances energy and endurance and provides many other health benefits. Resveratrol is also a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect cells from the aging process. Other research has shown resveratrol can improve cellular metabolism, functioning and cellular rejuvenation and is a key player in maintaining youth.

Are Resveratrol Supplements Safe?
No significant side effects have been reported to date. However, its effects on fetal development have not been studied and I recommend that pregnant women do not supplement with it. In my book, The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life, I discuss the science of genetic activation and the anti-aging capabilities of certain foods and supplements containing trans-resveratrol.

Scientific Studies on Resveratrol
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted around the world analyzing the potential health benefits of resveratrol. Many of these studies have found that resveratrol may protect the nervous system, improve cellular metabolism, provide protection from brain damage, prevent the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and help the body fight off a myriad of diseases and disorders. Other studies have shown that resveratrol plays a significant role in increasing animal lifespan and may also play a role in cancer protection. As aging occurs, dividing cells lose the ability to carry over adequate amounts of DNA to the new cells that are formed. This causes the new cells to function poorly and die prematurely. Harvard researchers recently published results of a study in the journal Cell indicating that resveratrol activates proteins called stabilizing proteins that are actively involved in the gene (DNA) repair process. By repairing breaks in the chromosomes, the e
effects of chromosomal damage due to aging are reduced.

---

Joseph Maroon, MD, FACS , is a world famous board-certified neurosurgeon. He is a professor of neurosurgery and team physician of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He authored The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activates Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life.