Nutrition Facts with Dr. Greger Does Resveratrol Help You Live Longer? (Part 1)
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Oct 3, 2024 Is resveratrol the key to longevity or just another health craze? This discussion dives into the science behind this red wine compound, unraveling its potential benefits and the origins of the French paradox. While some studies hint at positive effects, evidence for its necessity in healthy individuals remains shaky. The conversation also touches on resveratrol's limited role in managing type 2 diabetes, showcasing promising outcomes like lower blood sugar levels but stressing the importance of real-life health success stories.
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Resveratrol’s Rise And Scientific Turmoil
- Resveratrol rose to fame as a proposed explanation for the "French paradox" and spurred over 17,000 publications despite weak human evidence.
- The field suffered fraud and conflicting mechanistic claims, leaving the jury still out on true longevity benefits.
Species-Specific Longevity Effects
- Resveratrol extends lifespan in yeast, some worms, bees, and short-lived fish but mostly fails in larger animals and healthy mice.
- Benefits appear mainly in stressed or metabolically compromised animals, not healthy ones.
Helps The Sick, Not The Healthy
- Resveratrol often helps animals under extreme stress or high-fat diets but doesn't extend healthy rodents' lifespans.
- This differential effect sparked debate over whether supplements could replace healthy lifestyle changes.