Red wine: Exercise in a bottle?

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology ^ | 30-Jun-2011 | Gerald Weissmann, M.D.

[Pharmboy]

New research in the FASEB Journal suggests that a daily intake of resveratrol prevents the ill effects of simulated weightlessness on muscle and bone metabolism Bethesda, MD—As strange as it sounds, a new research study published in the FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org), suggests that the "healthy" ingredient in red wine, resveratrol, may prevent the negative effects that spaceflight and sedentary lifestyles have on people. 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.

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."

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.

"If resveratrol supplements are not your cup of tea," Weissmann added, "then there's good news. You can find it naturally in red wine, making it the toast of the Milky Way."

[Hoffer Rand]

Talking to your pita chips probably means you’ve had enough. :P

Naw, it's only when they start talking to you that you've had enough.

[Pharmboy]

Big mystery...one explanation is that the health effects are due to the alcohol and not the wine. For example, even the USDA's dietary guide for Americans says alcohol (in moderation) is good for you. Click here and start reading at the bottom of p. 29. When they give very high levels to mice and rats of resveratrol good things happen for sure, but our levels don't get up nearly that high.

[2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten]

In complete seriousness I would suggest they’re looking at this in exactly the wrong way. Exercise is red wine without the bottle - same conclusion just turned around.

[Lazlo in PA]

Wow. That looks cool. I would like to just have the bottle to put $60 scotch in.

[Lakeshark]

It's when they (Pita chips) start looking like Wonder Woman, then you know you're in trouble......

[derllak]

Looks like we need to do an emergency intervention on Lameshark, Hoffer.

I’ll tie him up and you grab the bottle. :)

[Marie Antoinette]

This is an exercise plan I can live with... ;)

[Lakeshark]

Take the bottle if you must.

Just don't take my Pita chips.....

They're hot.

[Pharmboy]

Almost too purty to drink (I said almost)

[Tanniker Smith]

may prevent the negative effects that spaceflight

Okay, that's what I've been looking for to get rid of those post-spaceflight blahs.
I'm telling you, that 52-mile commute to Parsippany in the old days is nothing compared to the 26,200 miles these days . . .

[Dr. Scarpetta]

BTTT!

[MHGinTN]

"Resveratrol may not be a substitute for exercise, but it could slow deterioration until someone can get moving again." Oh thank you so much ... I can always use another reason to open a nice bottle of Merlot to sip on for three or four days. At my age 'you have to take your medicine' is one of the best excuses around, even if I don't take any kind of prescription meds. [Now, which brand will I select for medicating tonight?]