Comprehensive Library Of Resveratrol News

With recognition that microorganisms that reside in the human digestive tract act as the body’s “second brain,” that the 100-million nerve cells in the gut carry information from the digestive tract to the brain and not the other way around to influence behavior and mood is a recent scientific revelation. [Scientific American 2010; CNS Neurological Disorders Drug Targets 2014]

This new scientific understanding is referred to as the “gut-brain axis” is now recognized as a regulator of mood, cognition (thinking), pain, mood, sleep and eating behavior.  [Advances Applied Microbiology 2015]

Microbes that are out of balance in the digestive tract (a condition called dysbiosis where there are too few beneficial bacteria and an overgrowth of bad bacteria such as yeast/Candida and parasites) are not only involved in metabolic disorders (i.e. obesity) but also in emotional behavior.

Now for a second revelation – molecules in red wine called polyphenols significantly increase beneficial bacteria (bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus) among individuals with metabolic issues. [Food & Function 2015]  In particular, the red wine molecule resveratrol, recognized for its broad biological action as an anti-oxidant, with anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory action, also alters gut microbiota (bacteria). [Nutrition 2015]

The human equivalent of just 70 milligrams of resveratrol given to laboratory mice for 25 days increased lactobacilli and bifidobacteria and diminished troublesome bacteria (E coli) and calmed low-grade inflammation. [Journal Agriculture Food Chemistry 2009]  Even among laboratory animals given a high-fat diet, resveratrol increases good bacteria in the digestive tract to inhibit fat storage and obesity. [Food & Function 2014]

A secret of a wine-based Mediterranean diet may not be limited to leanness, but also improved mood.   Resveratrol has been demonstrated to raise brain serotonin levels and therefore elevate mood. [European Neuropsychopharmacology 2010]

Given that 25% of people who take antidepressants experience weight gain, resveratrol may some day prove to be a superior alternative. [WebMD]

Low-grade inflammation, particularly in the gut, is a characteristic of aging (called inflammaging).  [Journal Gerontology A Biology Science Medicine 2014]  Resveratrol reduces inflammation and premature aging. [Preventive Medicine 2012]

Resveratrol also depresses homocysteine, an undesirable blood protein that rises with advancing age and is a result of diminished B vitamin intake or malabsorption. [Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Medicine 2006]  High homocysteine levels are linked with poor memory and hostility and anger. [American Journal Clinical Nutrition 2001; Life Sciences 2000]  The mood and behavioral benefits of resveratrol are now becoming well documented, mainly via its action in the brain and “second brain.”  – ©2016 Bill Sardi, ResveratrolNews.com