What’s the skinny on resveratrol, and the like?

February 10, 11:28 PMSF Fitness ExaminerJeff McMullen

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60 Minutes recently did a piece on resveratrol. Can we take a pill that reverses the aging process, make us more youthful, move easier, and feel more energetic and vibrant? What about antioxidants? Can we undo the damage of free radicals, prevent chronic illness and disease, simply by ingesting an elixir? What about energy? Is it worth the price to feel revved up in order to get a better kick out of our workout? Add this to a society that wants immediate results, the quickest, easiest and simplest way possible! Let’s take a look.

Resveratrol is found in naturally grown plants such as nuts, roots and grapes. The highest concentration of the compound being found in the skin of red grapes. Hello red wine connoisseurs! Plants create resveratrol to protect themselves against certain environmental stressors such as fungi and bacteria damage; extreme sun exposure and drought conditions. Recent animal research studies have shown that resveratrol can repair and protect DNA; increase athletic performance; prevent the onset of certain chronic disease (heart, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cholesterol) which would lead to an increased life span in humans! Taken in large quantities, it also has ties to the positive effects of a low-calorie diet. Wow!
If it is good for the animal test specimens, than is it good for us?
 

                                                   Resveratrol in red wine

Now onto antioxidants. I personally have been investigating this one, not only for myself but for the benefit of my personal training client base. The prevalence of cancer, heart disease and diabetes are running rampant in our population. The culprits responsible are free radicals in our bodies being brought on by such factors as environmental pollution, stress, and too much exercise. Antioxidants basically breakdown and eradicate these disease causing entities and are comprised of Vitamins A, C and E. Natural foods sources such as red berries, tomatoes, broccoli and even soy make the grade in terms of high antioxidant content. Who has the time to ingest or prepare these foods?

                                          Monavie Active & the Acai berry
                                                              
MonaVie is an elixir made from the pulp of 19 antioxidant rich fruits and berries with the crown jewel being the Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berry. The Acai berry is harvested in Brazil and has an ORAC (scale used to determine the antioxidant content of foods) value of 10% greater than blueberries, previously being known to be the reigning champ of antioxidant content. The Acai also contains the following beneficial nutrients: phytonutrients (promote healthy immune system); healthy fats and plant sterols (promote healthy heart and cardiovascular system); amino acids (body tissue and cell repair); vitamins and minerals (essential for proper body growth, development and metabolic reactions); complex carbohydrates (storage transport of energy); and dietary fiber (proper digestive system health). One 4 ounce serving of MonaVie per day entitles you to the equivalent of 14 servings of antioxidant rich fruits. I personally have been taking this product the past month and have been experiencing some fantastic results. I feel better, more energized and feel like my food cravings have subsided.

Finally, I often see people attending my AM group exercise classes, downing a cup of coffee or with a Red Bull® in hand, pumped to the max to give their systems a jump start for the exercise bout that lies ahead. Is this truly an effective means to improve their athletic performance? Can it help them in the aftermath, as well? Being that caffeine is the main ingredient, a case of nervous energy, the shakes and enhanced dehydration could await those who partake! One 8 ounce can of Red Bull® packs 27 grams of sugar and 80 mg. of caffeine versus an 8 ounce cup of coffee with 60 mg. of caffeine. Is the processed drink, with all the additives the better choice or is coffee, which can prepared without the sugar and contains natural additives? My personal experience with this one is simply stick to water. There is nothing better!