Red Wine: The New Fountain of Youth

Food

Red Wine: The New Fountain of Youth

Posted by Vicki_R on February 4, 2007 - 1:42pm.

Resveratrol, the compound found in red wine has been touted as the first true antiaging drug. Early clinical reports show that it may have a role in decreasing insulin levels and blood pressure, increasing good cholesterol and extending lifespans. But the same report points out that the jury's still out on its long term effects and it has not been approved by the FDA. The supplement is on the market and many people are taking it, even without FDA approval. Although resveratrol can be obtained in capsule form, taking these supplements may not have the same effect as drinking red wine.Thus, it appears that until researchers are able to isolate an active form of resveratrol, drinking red wine may be the best way to obtain the benefits of resveratrol. The alcohol in the wine removes, or extracts, resveratrol from grapes better than water, glycerin or stomach acids can. So, to date, resveratrol from red wine is the most potent source. It also seems that wines made from organic grapes have more resveratrol than non-organic. Can we drink ourselves healthy?

Not bad news

by karlawithak on February 5, 2007 - 10:50am

I'd say that is the best case of something being better for you in a more natural form than a supplement. I'd drink red wine over take pills any day! It would be all the more satisfying knowing it was the best possible way to get resveratrol!

How much to drink

by Vicki_R on February 5, 2007 - 4:00pm

One of the benefits of taking a supplement is that the quanties you have to drink is probably impossible to do. I think I read that you have to drink many, many glasses of red wine in order to get the same benefits from a single capsule. I guess it depends on what you are looking to get from this supplement, whether it is medicinal or just pleasurable. I think the process of drinking the wine is part of the journey.

How much wine?

by Vicki_R on February 5, 2007 - 4:02pm

How many glasses?

by Vicki_R on February 5, 2007 - 4:06pm

I guess it depends on what you are trying to get from the supplement. If you are trying to use it for a specific medicinal purpose, I don't think you can get enough of it from just drinking red wine occasionally. The capsule form is more potent and you would have to drink many, many glasses of red wine to get the same effect from one capsule. I know,that doesn't sound so bad!

living longer

by Vicki_R on February 5, 2007 - 8:39pm

The only drawback may be that if you want to use resveratrol for true medicinal purposes you can't get enough of it by consuming red wine leisurely. The capsule form boasts more in one pill than many, many glasses of red wine. If you believe in the jouney, than the pleasure of drinking the wine with friends and family helps to make our lives richer. I might consider trying the capsule form once there is more info on the long-term effects. I would love to remember living longer, not just living longer.

reason to have a glass

by dreamymo on February 6, 2007 - 1:17pm

even if im getting just a bit of a boost, i welcome a reason to have a glass a day :)

<em>founderofinfogatherer</em>'s picture

C'est vrai...

by founderofinfoga... on February 6, 2007 - 3:16pm

Bien sur, from Resveratrol to iron, a glass of wine a day IS good...On asked how come oneof the oldlest man alive last year expained his age...the answer was....moderation!Cool, huh?

So, oui, a glass or red a day can be very good...in France we do know it because if you eat good natural food (and we are learning more and more about organic over there at last) and good wines, you cannot go wrong really...

A good glass of vino

by Vicki_R on February 6, 2007 - 6:10pm

I think the old man was very wise when he said "everything in moderation". I wish more people practiced that philosophy. It seems the french do that in many aspects of their life. The food they eat is very rich, but the portions are in moderation including the sweets they eat and the time they take to enjoy their meal. Here in the states, we need to enjoy the fruits of our labor more and indulge in a little bit of everything, including a good glass of vino

Red Wine

by don2451 on February 8, 2007 - 10:57pm

Kudos to Vicki. Possibly there is more Resveratrol in the supplement than a couple of glasses of wine. The benefits from enjoying a glass or two of wine with a meal or a companion, can not be duplicated. Well being comes from both without and within.

Moderation is the key to a healthy and happy life.

I'll take the wine...

by Python on February 10, 2007 - 12:00am

A good glass of Chateau Gruaud-Larose 1990 with epoisse (A.O.C. cheese) and dried figs with my girlfriend after a few hours of whitewater kayaking on a beautiful spring day...Or a great Pomerol shared with friends after an outstanding performance of Strauss' Die Fliedermaus in Tokyo...A vintage port with a Hoyo de Monterrey epicure no. 2 in an intimate cigar club...I go to the liquor store, see a certain wine label and such beautiful memories rush back to me.

At the drug store, I look at a bottle of garlic pills and remember my first kiss...Nope, I'm afraid that just won't work. lol

- Truth hath a quiet breast. Shakespeare, Richard II.

othr benefits

by Vicki_R on February 10, 2007 - 1:36pm

Another benefit of this study is that people that have drinking problems can reap the benefits of resveratrol in a pill form, without having to drink and if you are worried about the calories from wine, you can do without. I think that having the choice to drink the wine or not drink the wine is great. As long as you feel you are getting some benefits from your choice, isn't that what ultimately matters?

Yes, having the choice is great

by Python on February 10, 2007 - 3:35pm

I'm sure anyone who has been forced to swallow cod liver oil will agree with me. lol.

Seriously, I do agree with what you say above.

- Truth hath a quiet breast. Shakespeare, Richard II.

quoting

by Vicki_R on February 11, 2007 - 4:33pm

You seem to like Shakespeare a lot. Are just a fan of his or do you just like to quote? I always wish I could quote people when the urge hit me. I guess its like telling a joke, some people are just really good at it and always have one available.

It's a great topic to discuss. Thanks.

that quote is my signature...

by Python on February 11, 2007 - 6:26pm

It is my favourite one. To answer your question, yes I do love Shakespeare and no, I don't have any special gift for quoting. Actually, I majored in English Literature.

Talking of wine, I just initiated my 14-yr-old daughter to the fine art of wine tasting yesterday. That was fun.

- Truth hath a quiet breast. Shakespeare, Richard II.

o.k.

by Vicki_R on February 12, 2007 - 11:19am

Are you comfortable with your daughter drinking? I know we used to taste our parents drinks and I may have indulged in a little vino without our parents knowing, but I don't think they would have offered me a cocktail. Are you sure she will be able to handle it responsibly and what did she think? Did she like the taste?

Resveratrol

by Vitallywell on February 12, 2007 - 12:23pm

I believe resveratrol has plenty of studies to prove it's worth. You have to remember the grape used in the wine or supplement has a lot to do with the resveratrol content. Muscadine is one of the most potent resveratrol containing grapes - doesn't make the best wine though.

Tony

14 can be old enough

by Python on February 12, 2007 - 5:07pm

Wine tasting is not exactly the same thing as being offered a cocktail. Did you know that many professional wine tasters are actually teetotallers? The secret to etch a wine deeply in your memory is not to swallow it, but to spit it out. We are focusing on its bouquet, delicate taste, aroma, development on the palate...not trying to get drunk. I would not offer her a Cuba Libre or a Mint Julep.

Yes, she did enjoy the experience. Of course, I let her taste it because I believe she is mature enough for it. She found it bitter at first but liked it more when she learned how a good piece of steak can soften the tannin in the wine. She had one small glass, about the worth of three tablespoons, part of which she spitted out. I had her a pinch her nose than release so she can focus on what aroma is, and little tricks like that. It was really about appreciation of the wine.

Also, though I'd never "encourage" them to drink (btw I hardly ever drink more than one glass of anything myself and she has never seen me drunk - I haven't gotten drunk once since she was born...) I have to say that I'd much rather she drinks under parental supervision than somewhere else...Likewise for smoking; though I wouldn't want to allow my children to smoke, I don't want them to set the attic on fire either.

- Truth hath a quiet breast. Shakespeare, Richard II.

the best medicine

by Vicki_R on February 14, 2007 - 10:15am

I didn't mean to sound harsh and I hope you did not take it the wrong way. I was just posing a question. I am glad to hear that she enjoyed the experience of her first introduction to wine. I think that is important she has positive memories when she sits down to a future glass of wine. She will probably always remember the experience of doing it with you as well. That is the best medicine!

lol

by Python on February 14, 2007 - 6:02pm

Nope, I hadn't taken anything the wrong way there. Sometimes I think my daughter sees me more as a big brother than a father, we are just like the bests of friends.

Everyone drinking themselves healthy here?

- Truth hath a quiet breast. Shakespeare, Richard II.

More info needed

by Vicki_R on February 15, 2007 - 12:30pm

I did not know that muscadine was a grape that contained more resveratrol. It is used in muscadet wine? I would assume yes, but I am not always the most accuate when it comes to specifics of wine. I do know what I like though. Are there any other varieties that are better for you?

Glad

by amyw on February 15, 2007 - 3:50pm

that you are boning up on wine !

We'll have to get us some of that there resveratrol :)

See you tom. A

Beer

by jjackson on February 28, 2007 - 11:24am

What about beer? Beer is somewhat healthy, too, right?

organic beer

by Vicki_R on February 28, 2007 - 12:51pm

or_st._patricks_day...

LIME published this article right before St. Patrick's day in 06. Give it a read. Beer does have some antioxidents, but I don't really know if they outweigh the bloating, weight gain and constant going to the bathroom that goes along with drinking beer. A good question to ask is, should beer be organic to really help? Since it is made with grains that are grown in the ground, I would assume drinking organic beer would prove more beneficial.

Anyone out there

by Chris on March 11, 2007 - 2:17am

Have a favorite organic wine? I am having trouble finding one that I like

try Frey

by Vicki_R on March 11, 2007 - 6:04pm

Yes, I tried one called "Frey" from California. I went to my local Joe Canals and was surprised that they only carried two organic labels, one being Frey. I tried two of their wines and really liked the savignon blanc, though it is not red. My friend and I finished an entire bottle in one night and I must concede, had no hangover.

No hangover...hmmm

by Chris on March 12, 2007 - 10:47pm

Sounds pretty good, I guess it's because of the reduced sulfites...

Do you drink wine often? Is there something that you could compare it to for taste...sorry I am a stickler for details.

wine tasting party

by Vicki_R on March 13, 2007 - 10:43am

The white wine has a subtle, fruity, light taste I guess. It tastes very clean if you can imagine. I think you are just going to have to indulge and buy a bottle and try it out for yourself. Have a wine tasting with some friends and tell me what you think.

I agree-it must be the lack of sulfites.

Thanks Vicki!

by Chris on March 16, 2007 - 5:31pm

I'll have to try it!

Sounds Good

by bucktoothweezel on April 6, 2007 - 2:45am

All this information is new to me. Glad to hear it, since I'm sipping on a glass of red wine at this very moment!

Pour the Wine!

by SirTravers on April 6, 2007 - 8:20pm

I say that by the time the scientists get through making their pills it's just not the same anymore......so Pour the Wine! I know folks that have had their wine in moderation for years. Along with a sensible diet that avoids the middle aisles in the store the wine makes a good addition to a great meal!

Observe the world as though you were a child and enjoy the wonder of it all.

Wine Anyone??

by one_earth on April 9, 2007 - 4:32am

Keep in mind that George Burns said " I had a little red wine each evening" - 99 good years was not bad!

I'll take the real deal

by Shay_Re on April 9, 2007 - 3:31pm

I think drinking a glass of wine is much better for the body when compared to downing a supplement. One you're getting it in it more natural form, and two....i think the relaxation that goes along with enjoying a glass or two of wine help all the more...so where's the sommelier? My glass is empty.

playing g-d

by Vicki_R on April 9, 2007 - 5:40pm

So true!!! But than again, playing g-d may have helped!!!

depends on your goal

by MoonDancer on July 21, 2007 - 10:32pm

not to rain on anyone's parade, but there are some things that resveratrol can and can not do - no matter what the source. Like many other components in our diet, resveratrol is heavily metabolized (broken down) as soon as it enters a cell. That means - the beneficial effects of resveratrol can only be achieved in mouth, stomach, colon. And if you take a lot of supplements in order to overwhelm the metabolic system, you don't know what those doses may do (negative effects). So, word of caution for all of those who are crazy about popping pills. Keep in mind, unlike 'real drugs' dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA for their safety!

I'd rather have the occasional glass of wine and eat my fruits and vegetables. :o)

Brightest Blessings...

MoonDancer

Pass the bottle!

by taradawn on July 30, 2007 - 9:58pm

Considering I've never been one to pop pills (I take chewable kid's vitamins and tough it out through headaches), I'd say wine is the better choice. Of course, I dont need that excuse to prefer wine ;) I do plan on trying an organic variety at some point, so it's great to hear at least a couple of you have tried one and deemed it alright. I generally stick to whites (the teeth stain so bad), but after reading this I cracked open a bottle of red zin and celebrated! Nothing like surfing the forums enjoying a nice glass of vino. It's been a pleasure :)

it makes you feel good

by Vicki_R on July 31, 2007 - 1:01pm

You can't seem to escape the fact that red wines are good for you. I keep picking up more info on this and it all reads positive. I drink red wine and it has never really stained my teeth. I also started whitening awhile back. I figure wine is better for me, so whatever I have to do to get the health benefits the bettter. Drinking organic red wine when possible makes you feel good.

organic wines and DC recommendations?

by MoonDancer on August 13, 2007 - 8:11pm

for those of you in the Washington DC area (or maybe they have franchises somewhere else) - have any of you tried Urbana's where they have a whole selection of organic wines and foods? Just curious, since I just moved here. Gotta love DC, I am totally hooked on the public transportation system. why anyone would battle the beltway with their car is beyond me. Let me know if any of you have suggestions on what to try in the DC/MD area, please!

Thanks!

MoonDancer