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A new French study finds that resveratrol, the antioxidant in red wine, can slow muscle deterioration. (What’s next, France? Croissants cure cancer?)
Rats were suspended by their hind legs, which prohibited movement. Researchers found that the rats experienced a decrease in strength, muscle mass, and bone density—unless they were given a resveratrol supplement.
Researchers believe that this could help people who are forced to take a break from exercising. In fact, it’s the perfect way to maintain muscle mass while lying on a beach in the south of France, non?
Resveratrol preserves muscle fiber that would normally be reduced by inactivity—probably by maintaining a common protein found in muscle cells. Since the protein is responsible for muscle functioning, this is one possible explanation.
Though this mouse study can’t necessarily be applied to humans, resveratrol has also been shown to increase energy, boost cell function, and aid in weight loss. But still, not all wines have the same amount of the powerful antioxidant.
Impress your dinner date by ordering the healthiest wine on the menu: Pinot noir. Researchers at Cornell University found that pinot noir has the highest concentration of resveratrol. They caution, though, that it can depend on the season and location.
“Resveratrol increases when the grapes are attacked—often by fungi,” says Leroy Creasy, Ph.D., and professor emeritus at Cornell University. “It’s the grape’s defense mechanism—so it’s difficult to predict.” (Don’t worry, the resveratrol kills the fungi.)
But since the grapes used to make pinot noir have thin skin, they respond quickly to attack and maintain high levels of the antioxidant for protection, he says. This also means, as a general rule, you should look for wine from humid areas, since the grapes are more likely to combat fungi. Opt for wines made in France, New York, and Oregon. Australia, Central Valley California, and South Africa, on the other hand, aren’t your best bets, since these areas are dry.
Rats were suspended by their hind legs, which prohibited movement. Researchers found that the rats experienced a decrease in strength, muscle mass, and bone density—unless they were given a resveratrol supplement.
Researchers believe that this could help people who are forced to take a break from exercising. In fact, it’s the perfect way to maintain muscle mass while lying on a beach in the south of France, non?
Resveratrol preserves muscle fiber that would normally be reduced by inactivity—probably by maintaining a common protein found in muscle cells. Since the protein is responsible for muscle functioning, this is one possible explanation.
Though this mouse study can’t necessarily be applied to humans, resveratrol has also been shown to increase energy, boost cell function, and aid in weight loss. But still, not all wines have the same amount of the powerful antioxidant.
Impress your dinner date by ordering the healthiest wine on the menu: Pinot noir. Researchers at Cornell University found that pinot noir has the highest concentration of resveratrol. They caution, though, that it can depend on the season and location.
“Resveratrol increases when the grapes are attacked—often by fungi,” says Leroy Creasy, Ph.D., and professor emeritus at Cornell University. “It’s the grape’s defense mechanism—so it’s difficult to predict.” (Don’t worry, the resveratrol kills the fungi.)
But since the grapes used to make pinot noir have thin skin, they respond quickly to attack and maintain high levels of the antioxidant for protection, he says. This also means, as a general rule, you should look for wine from humid areas, since the grapes are more likely to combat fungi. Opt for wines made in France, New York, and Oregon. Australia, Central Valley California, and South Africa, on the other hand, aren’t your best bets, since these areas are dry.
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