Exercise in capsules

Some posts ago I mentioned in an article about calorie restriction that the point would be to find shortcuts that allow biochemical effects take advantage of this practice without the need for a fast winding. The good news is that a recently published study suggests that resveratrol may be that shortcut.

Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes and is possibly a key ingredient to the beneficial effects of red wine. Despite the research on this compound are just beginning and there are few human studies, studies in rodents suggest a potential antioxidant, protecting against diabetes and obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Although present in grapes and wine, it is uncertain whether it is possible to obtain a sufficient amount of resveratrol that results in physiological benefits only ingesting these sources. In fact we believe so to graft the face of wine and say it was a drunk medicinally.

In a survey conducted by the team of Prof. Schrauwen Holada, 11 obese men were given resveratrol supplement or placebo for one month. Then the groups were switched, those taking placebo began taking resveratrol and vice versa.

The regular monitoring of metabolic parameters showed a reduction in glucose levels, triglycerides and increased insulin sensitivity (reduction in risk of diabetes and heart disease). Moreover it was observed that resveratrol also reduced sleep time, the resting metabolic rate and blood pressure.

The team also confirmed the involvement of sirtuins in this effect. The sirtuins are enzymes involved in caloric restriction and the effect of resveratrol is supposed alter metabolism so as to delay the aging process. I used the word allegedly because there is still much controversy, there are groups and groups supporting this hypothesis claiming not find evidence of the involvement of these enzymes in anti-aging effects found in calorie restriction and the effect of resveratrol.

Regardless of the plot, the results of this study, despite the need to be confirmed in a larger scale, possibly suggest that supplementation with resveratrol one day become an interesting alternative to obtain the benefits of physical activity in people unable to practice (both with physical limitations of the lazy call), or to optimize the results of those already practicing.