October 2010
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
Question: What’s all the excitement about resveratrol? Should I drink lots of wine like the French do to live longer because of the resveratrol?
Answer: The “French Paradox” refers to the fact that the French tend to eat lots of rich food compared to the Standard American Diet (Yes, there is a reason that the acronym for that is SAD!). Yet the French live longer and are much thinner than we are here in the U.S. Resveratrol is a high-powered antioxidant found in grapes, especially in the skin of grapes. An antioxidant fights cellular oxidation, similar to the oxidation, or rust, on iron. So, to get to the point, many experts believe that resveratrol is the reason why the French live longer. Take into consideration, however, that the French people, in general, consume a very different diet from our SAD diet. They consume very little food that contains chemicals, like preservatives, artificial flavors and artificial colors. They eat real food. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. And they savor their meals. No “rush through the drive through window and eat in the car”.
But let’s get back to resveratrol. Studies indicate that resveratrol is one of the most potent sources of a molecule that activates survival genes called sirtuins, which can slow aging at a cellular level. Resveratrol and other antioxidants in the polyphenol family have been shown to increase the life of fish, for example, by 60%. Clinical trials have also shown that resveratrol can reduce inflammation, cause blood vessels to be more flexible, thin the blood, inhibit 18 types of cancer, normalize blood glucose levels, and improve memory and reaction time. The reason why these antioxidants can affect such a wide variety of functions appears to be through the ability to stabilize DNA. Quite an impressive list of credentials!
To finally get back to your question about wine, an occasional glass of dark colored wine is fine. It is best to choose a wine that contains no sulfites, however, since many people react very negatively to that chemical preservative. But as little as two glasses of wine per day can increase the chances of breast cancer in women. A better choice is to eat blueberries, pomegranates, or red grapes. A delicious way to get antioxidants, fiber and a whole host of other powerful nutrients. Studies indicate a combination of polyphenols seem to be more effective than an individual polyphenol like resveratrol.
Hot Tip: I enjoy a delicious mixed polyphenol drink called ThaiGo every morning. It’s my insurance for the day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture measures substances for their ability to quench free radicals with a gauge called the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). ThaiGo has the highest ORAC rating of any mixed polyphenol drink tested.
Next month…Chemicals on produce
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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