Resveratrol May Provide Similar Effects as Exercise and Eating Less

Taking resveratrol may mimic effects of dieting and exercise, a study suggests

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could enjoy the health benefits of losing weight without even trying? While an unlikely scenario, researchers continue to work to discover how to make it reality. According to a new study published in the November issue of Cell Metabolism, a daily dose of resveratrol could offer similar benefits of hitting the gym or cutting calories.

“Here, we show that resveratrol supplementation in humans exerted favorable metabolic adaptations that in many aspects mimic the effects of calorie restriction and/or endurance training,” wrote the researchers led by Prof Patrick Schrauwen of Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

The study followed 11 obese but otherwise healthy men for two 30-day trials separated by a four-week washout period. One trial involved one group of participants receiving a daily dietary supplement containing 150 milligrams of resveratrol and the other receiving a daily placebo. Then the groups switched so that those taking resveratrol were then taking the placebo and vice versa.

To evaluate changes in metabolism, the researchers measured metabolic rate, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, fat storage and fat burning. Results showed resveratrol improved insulin sensitivity and helped maintain lower blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels. Both resting and sleeping metabolic rate were reduced by resveratrol, indicating improved metabolism. Blood pressure was also kept at a healthier level by those taking resveratrol.

Previous research in animals and humans has indicated that the substance present in grape skin might “soften” the effects of aging and support longevity as calorie-restriction has shown to do. The researchers wrote that this is the first, randomized, double-blind, crossover study that examined overall metabolic effects of resveratrol in humans.

How resveratrol and calorie restriction are believed to work similarly is that they both stimulate genetic expression of SIRT1, a protein that improves metabolic function and also keeps cells healthy when under stress. This was confirmed in the study by the researchers who took muscle biopsies and found that those taking resveratrol did have increased SIRT1 levels.

As promising as these results are, and as nice as it would be to lose weight without trying, taking resveratrol does not mean giving up an exercise routine or healthy-eating habits. These two lifestyle factors are still king when it comes to losing and maintaining weight and staying healthy. But it’s nice to know you might be able to boost the effects even more by simply including resveratrol (found in Ageless Actives) in your daily routine.

Reference: Timmers S, Konings E, Bilet L, et al. Calorie Restriction-like Effects of 30 Days of Resveratrol Supplementation on Energy Metabolism and Metabolic Profile in Obese Humans. Cell Metab 2011;14:612-22. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.10.002

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