Staying Sharp
Resveratrol, a type of antioxidant found in red grapes and raw peanuts, has been shown to help keep the mind active and sharp as people get older. It may also prevent long-term loss of hearing.1
According to a study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, this naturally occurring chemical "seems to protect against the body’s inflammatory process as it relates to aging, cognition and hearing loss."
The study tested resveratrol’s effect on rats. Equivalent studies have yet to be conducted on humans. However, previous studies have suggested that resveratrol can help people in many ways. Resveratrol has been shown to:
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- Suppress the growth of cancerous cells.
- Prevent stroke.
- Protect from harmful blood clots.
- Increase good cholesterol (HDL), while reducing bad cholesterol (LDL).
Michael D. Seidman, the study's lead author, said, "We've shown that by giving animals resveratrol, we can reduce the amount of hearing and cognitive decline."
What They Found
In the study, researchers gave resveratrol to a group of test rats prior to exposing them to prolonged loud noise. Rats given resveratrol showed fewer instances of long-term hearing loss.
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Hearing loss, though typically associated with advanced age, actually affects more than 12 percent of American troops returning from active duty as well. Loss of hearing also increases blood pressure, blood sugar and triglyceride level--all of which are risk factors of coronary heart disease.
Resveratrol has long been known to decrease inflammation, which is the root of almost all pain, illness and disease. Inflammation is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and other common signs of aging.
Helping Your Family
Resveratrol can be obtained from a number of common whole-food sources.
Red grapes and red wine are probably the best known sources of resveratrol, but neither are ideal options for reaping the benefits of resveratrol. Both of these can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels due to their high sugar content.
Sugar's laundry list of negative health effects greatly outweighs the benefits of resveratrol. So, while a single glass of red wine will not derail a person closely following the Core Plan, it should never be consumed frequently under the guise of health benefits.
Instead, choose organic, raw peanuts and blueberries to utilize the powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties of resveratrol. Raw peanuts contain healthy, undamaged fats and are an excellent source of energy. Blueberries are low-glycemic, and therefore will not cause wide fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
- If on the Advanced Plan: Snack on organic, raw peanuts to stay full without overeating and eat blueberries to conquer sugar cravings without disrupting blood sugar levels. Grapes contain too much fructose and should be avoided while on the Advanced Plan.
- If on the Core Plan: Grapes are OK in moderation, but are not ideal. Red wine should not be used as a source of resveratrol, as the dangers of drinking greatly outweigh the positive effects of resveratrol.
What You Can Do
To learn more about our Core and Advanced Nutrition Plans, you can contact Dr. Nick Barnes at drnickbarnes@gmail.com or—if there’s no doctor in your area yet—purchase a copy of the best-selling Maximized Living Nutrition Plans today.
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