Red Wine Compound Activates Gene Needed for Healthy Cells

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-07/red-wine-compound-activates-gene-needed-for-healthy-cells.html


Cabernet Sauvignon grapes on the vine in Amissville, Virginia.

Harvard scientists said they have settled a debate over whether a compound found in red wine activates a gene that keeps cells healthy.

Researchers repeated a 10-year old study using a new method to validate earlier findings that resveratrol turns on a gene that recharges mitochondria, tiny structures that produce fuel for cells. By revving up mitochondria, the agent may protect against aging-related diseases, said David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School genetics professor and the study’s senior author.

Sinclair’s earlier research was disputed in studies in 2009 and 2010 saying that resveratrol only activated the gene, a sirtuin called SIRT1, in experiments that used a synthetic fluorescent chemical to track activity. Since these chemicals aren’t found in cells or nature, other studies said the effect would only work in lab tests and not in humans. The new study, published today in the journal Science, got rid of the chemical.

“Controversy is a difficult thing to deal with, and I hope this paper gives some clarity to the field,” Sinclair said in a telephone interview.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. DU Rec and Kick for Red wine. thanks.

[littlemissmartypants]

2. Resveratrol: Whole Food Sources and Health Benefits of Resveratrol

http://healwithfood.org/best-dietary-sources/resveratrol.php

Grapes
Resveratrol is found most highly concentrated in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Just one cup of red grapes in their whole food form contains between 0.24 and 1.25 mg of resveratrol, depending on the variety and origin. The richest source of resveratrol comes from the red grapes of Spain. Red grape juice made from Spanish grapes contains up to 1.30 mg of the polyphenol in just a 5-ounce glass. Since red wine is fermented in grape skins for some time, Spanish red wines have an even greater concentration of resveratrol than just the juice – up to 1.89 mg per 5-ounce glass.

Boiled Peanuts
It is widely known that nuts are high in unsaturated fats such as omega-3s, fiber and vitamin E, among other key nutrients. But boiled peanuts may not be getting all the credit they deserve. In just one cup of boiled peanuts, you'll get up to 1.28 mg of resveratrol – quite comparable to a glass of grape juice. When compared to dry roasted and raw peanuts without skin, the boiled kind contains the highest amounts of the antioxidant. Unfortunately, because roasted peanuts are typically heated after being shelled, their nutrient levels are negatively impacted. With skin and shell intact, boiled peanuts retain their resveratrol richness.

Berries
Deep-colored berries of the Vaccinum species are a good source of resveratrol. Blueberries, mulberries, bilberries and cranberries are all among this special breed of berries. Just like grapes, berries of a certain variety and place of origin have proven to be a better source of resveratrol than others. Bilberries from Poland and a particular variety of blueberries from Michigan are top-notch. Heating or baking with berries can compromise their antioxidant content, so stick with the fresh, organic kind. For a healthy breakfast, swap fruit-filled muffins for a bowl of oatmeal and raw blueberries.

Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Powder
Your taste buds already enjoy dark chocolate; but can your health benefit as well? Cocoa-containing products have up to 18.5 mcg of resveratrol per serving – that's one-tenth the concentration of Spanish red wine. Although not considered significant sources of resveratrol, dark chocolate and cocoa powder are more concentrated than roasted peanuts and peanut butter. Perhaps pairing a piece of dark chocolate with a glass of pinot noir would be the best whole food form of resveratrol – it would certainly be the tastiest!

[littlemissmartypants]

3. Sources of Polyphenols

Polyphenols are chemicals derived from plants that may have the ability to protect the body against some health problems. They also may reverse some signs of aging. Polyphenols take on the role of antioxidants, acting as a protector against damage caused by free radicals. Polyphenols can also deactivate substances that cause cancer growth.

Fruit
Fruit is a rich source of polyphenols. They're found in apples, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, cranberries, grapefruits, oranges, prunes, red grapes, raspberries and strawberries.

Vegetables
Several vegetables also contain significant amounts of polyphenols. They are found in beet greens, broccoli, cabbage, celery, onions and spinach.

Tea
Green tea is an excellent source of polyphenols



Read more: Foods With Lots of Polyphenols | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5282996_foods-lots-polyphenols.html#ixzz2NAY1f3xJ

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4. Good news!