Antiaging research suggests that red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant found in some red wines, can combat aging by neutralizing harmful free radicals that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. Researchers say resveratrol may even reverse aging itself!
Similar compounds also activate sirtuins, a group of proteins which prevent yeast and other organisms from aging, with researchers discovering that Resveratrol can do the same in human cells.
1. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is an extremely potent antioxidant found naturally in grape skins. This powerful nutrient has been associated with anti-ageing benefits in red wine as well as UV damage protection and climate change protection; in fact, many consider resveratrol one of the most powerful anti-ageing compounds available today.
Resveratrol has long been recognized to combat cellular aging through activating an enzyme known as SIRT1. SIRT1 deacetylates lysine residues found within histone proteins to slow protein synthesis and increase longevity; similar effects of resveratrol consumption has been demonstrated to significantly extend lifespan in mice studies.
Red wine contains different concentrations of resveratrol depending on its region of production and wine-making technique, with traditional methods yielding greater concentrations. Maceration and extended fermentation produce wines with high levels of resveratrol; thus the best way to increase your consumption is by choosing natural, organic wines such as this.
Scientists are exploring how resveratrol impacts our bodies. One recent study discovered that when consumed, it reduced epigenetic age of heart genes – meaning resveratrol may help slow or stop its deterioration as we get older.
Although resveratrol is an effective antioxidant, its bioavailability may not be as high as other natural molecules. To increase bioavailability of resveratrol, scientists have created esterified derivatives with higher lipid solubility suitable for use in foods and biological environments, including copper-ion-induced LDL oxidation, hydroxyl radical DNA scission and peroxidation as well as strong anti-inflammatory activity and being shown to help lower blood pressure in animal models.
2. Polyphenols
Richard Baxter, author of Age Gets Better With Wine and recently presented at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s annual meeting in Washington DC made this claim at an anti-Aging session.
Resveratrol may be the star ingredient in red wine that aids anti-aging efforts, but polyphenols play an essential role as well. Polyphenols are natural plant chemicals that act as antioxidants to counter free radicals produced during energy production that damage cells leading to early aging.
Polyphenols can be found in fruits, vegetables and spices and possess an incredible structure that allows them to form bonds between molecules that will not be broken down by enzymes. Furthermore, their antioxidant value means they protect against free radicals as well as environmental stressors such as UV radiation and oxidative stress.
Moderate red wine consumption is widely associated with longevity across cultures. Researchers conducted extensive analyses on its effects on gene expression both within human cells and Drosophila melanogaster model organisms to understand how moderate red wine consumption impacts longevity. Results demonstrated that moderate red wine intake increases key longevity genes while improving metabolic health and improving lifespan.
Studies have demonstrated that red wine’s compounds, including resveratrol and polyphenols, can help to decrease fine lines and wrinkles as well as smooth out skin tone, due to polyphenols helping protect from oxidative stress and maintain collagen levels in the skin. Furthermore, polyphenols may help retain moisture within skin cells for an overall more youthful look.
3. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize damaging free radicals, the primary source of aging and age-related disease. Wine contains higher concentrations of antioxidants compared to grape juice due to fermentation leaving behind skins and seeds for maximum antioxidant absorption.
Human bodies produce endogenous antioxidants (also called endo-antioxidants) for themselves and also consume antioxidant-rich food sources like fruits and vegetables to meet its requirements. Antioxidant levels in our bodies are managed through both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems which are classified either as water-soluble or lipid soluble antioxidant systems.
These systems can either neutralize or donate electrons to oxygen-containing free radicals, helping balance their oxidative stress production. Furthermore, they can protect cellular structures and mitochondria from damage by inhibiting polymer chain oxidation and halting toxic products such as hydroxyl radical formation.
Red wine contains several antioxidants known as flavonoids, which have multiple biological benefits including anti-inflammatory, anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. Flavonoids can be obtained both phenolically (from catechins) and non-phenolically (via non-phenolic sources like catechins). Polyphenols have been found in red wine to be protective against oxidative damage at both skin level and cell level.
4. Fatty Acids
Red wine contains resveratrol, an ingredient thought to activate genes linked to longevity in mammals and extend their lives, as well as extend those of yeast, worms and fruit flies. Resveratrol works similarly to calorie restriction which has been proven to extend animal lifespan such as mice and monkeys; red wine’s resveratrol may reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer and boost immunity as well.
Red wine’s resveratrol content has long been touted for its ability to enhance blood circulation, providing your cells with more oxygen and nutrition – contributing to vibrant skin that looks healthy while improving texture, elasticity and even acne reduction and signs of aging.
Red wine’s resveratrol content has also been linked to reduced inflammation in your body, caused by stress levels, poor diet and pollution. Resveratrol could even help remove precancerous actinic keratoses on skin lesions as well as improve hair and nail appearance.
Red wine may offer many antiaging properties, but it should still be remembered that drinking too much alcohol can damage health in excess. Women should limit themselves to one glass a day while men can have two.
5. Vitamins
Resveratrol, an organic compound found in red wine, has been shown to reverse the aging process in mice by activating genes linked to longevity. Resveratrol supplements require further studies in order to demonstrate similar benefits as red wine itself.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin are also conducting studies on how red wine affects cellular health, believing its anti-ageing benefits may come from polyphenols which act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation within cells. They are currently researching ways of synthesizing polyphenols synthetically so they can be included in anti-ageing cosmetics or other health products.
One recent study suggests that one type of vitamin can aid in combating oxidative stress and delaying premature aging, making a strong impactful statement about sun exposure, smoking, diet and alcohol intake all being factors contributing to premature aging. Vitamin C specifically can strengthen immunity, enhance skin elasticity, lower free radical levels in the body and thus protect against further premature aging processes.
Researchers in Hong Kong have recently discovered that red wine’s resveratrol can aid two anti-aging genes to work more efficiently, leading to reduced risks of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes in regular drinkers. If this sounds interesting to you then consult your physician prior to beginning. In general, doctors do not advise drinking alcohol for those who have heart conditions, are pregnant women or have pancreatitis associated with alcohol use.
