Researchers have discovered that resveratrol, a substance found in red wine, can be a substitute for exercise:
A new study in the FASEB Journal suggests that resveratrol in red wine may prevent the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, which is good news for couch potatoes and even astronauts. The report describes experiments in rats that simulated the weightlessness of spaceflight, during which the group fed resveratrol did not develop insulin resistance or a loss of bone mineral density, as did those who were not fed resveratrol.
Scientists studied rats that underwent simulated weightlessness by hindlimb tail suspension and were given a daily oral load of resveratrol. The control group showed a decrease in soleus muscle mass and strength, the development of insulin resistance, and a loss of bone mineral density and resistance to breakage. The group receiving resveratrol showed none of these complications.
Study results further demonstrated some of the underlying mechanisms by which resveratrol acts to prevent the wasting adaptations to disuse-induced mechanical unloading. This study also suggests that resveratrol may be able to prevent the deleterious consequences of sedentary behaviors in humans.
According to Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the FASEB Journal, “There are overwhelming data showing that the human body needs physical activity, but for some of us, getting that activity isn’t easy. A low gravity environment makes it nearly impossible for astronauts. For the earthbound, barriers to physical activity are equally challenging, whether they be disease, injury, or a desk job. Resveratrol may not be a substitute for exercise, but it could slow deterioration until someone can get moving again.”
I interpret that as confirming that there’s hope for some of my readers after all. 😉
“I interpret that as confirming that there’s hope for some of my readers after all.”
Heh. I KNEW my collection of 400 bottles of Bordeaux was really a health kick. See? Trust your intincts, friends. Now, Dave. Good buddy. Could I discuss with you emailing this vitally important medical news to my wife…….
You know, Dave. If resveratrol could be infused into scotch, Alex Knapp would be your friend for life…..
It’s about damned time science did something useful.
There are times when I have serious reservations about the state of Alex’s mental health. For example, he doesn’t acknowledge the obvious superiority of Talisker among single malts.
However, I’m reluctant to enter into controversial religious discussions (like which is the greatest single malt or Cognac) here.
Well I’ll be…..
I have to confess, and I hope you don’t think less of me, that Talisker has come to me later in life. Was a Mcallister man. In fact, upstairs is a bottle of Talisker, and its 7 pm and a holiday weekend and all that. I think I’ll be going now. Its only 10 years, though. Hope you will forgive me………..
The first time I tasted Talisker was in a little restaurant in Portree on Skye nearly twenty years ago. I slowly sipped the Talisker (neat, of course) as the sun set and we looked out over the harbor. If I remember correctly my dinner that night was salmon fresh-caught from the bay.
I had hoped to make it to Skye. I had two days off on book tour to drive around Scotland. Unfortunately right-seat driving, combined with left-hand shifting, slowed me down a bit. (Sorry, nameless person parked in the outskirts of Edinburgh whose mirror I clipped. I’d have pulled over but it probably would have killed a few Scotsmen.)
There are a couple of places I’ve been in my life that sort of put a hook in me. The Azores is one, Scotland another. I never expected to care much about either. I was surprised at they way they stayed with me.
But Talisker is still too much iodine, not enough sherry wood for me.
“Sorry, nameless person parked in the outskirts of Edinburgh whose mirror I clipped.”
I’ve notified the relevant authorities.