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Resveratrol shows results similar to calorie restriction

This is a study of the effects on obese, healthy men, the first time resveratrol's effects have been demonstrated in human test subjects. What I can't figure out is if it's good or bad.

One of the first things the article says is that resveratrol helps protect against the effects of a high fat diet. Really? BS.

Another effect, if I'm reading this correctly, is that the subjects' metabolic rates were slowed, just as though they were eating a very low calorie diet. I don't know about you, but the last thing I want is to have my metabolism slowed.

It also says there are good effects like a reduction in insulin resistance and blood pressure. Overall, I'm not sure if this supplement would be good or bad for someone needing to lose weight.

Quote:

For the study, Schrauwen's team gave resveratrol to 11 obese, but otherwise healthy men. The men took 150 milligrams of the supplement a day for 30 days. To get that much resveratrol from wine would mean drinking over two gallons of wine a day, he noted.

The researchers found resveratrol acted much like a low-calorie diet in terms of reducing energy expenditure and improving metabolism and overall health.

Changes included a lower metabolic rate, reduced fat in the liver, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar. The men also had changes in the way their muscles burned fat, the researchers found.

In obesity, it's not clear whether burning fewer calories is a good or a bad thing, Schrauwen noted. It suggests, however, that cells were functioning more efficiently, as they do on a calorie-restricted diet, he said.

Complete article

"Calorie restricted" usually equals "ketogenic." I've seen many studies that say ketogenic diets are as "good" as calorie restriction.

On the other hand, Resveratrol and calorie restriction may help protect against a high PUFA diet, which is the fat most often consumed in the West.

It's probably valid but not the best way to go about it. :)

You had me until the slowed metabolism part.

I think the basis of this research is the need to try and explain why the French have low levels of heart disease and little obesity despite eating a diet high in saturated fat. Since we all know it must be the red wine they drink that protects them (sarcasm) they have identified a component of red grapes (resveratrol) to test. Since the research is biased in its design it can't really tell us very much.

Quote:

In obesity, it's not clear whether burning fewer calories is a good or a bad thing,

Ha ha, they really don't know what's going on do they? :lol:

Without a control group, it is impossible to make a valid analysis. The placebo effect can show some amazing results.

I do wonder if a group assigned to drink 2 gallons of wine a day would have shown the same results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dodger

I do wonder if a group assigned to drink 2 gallons of wine a day would have shown the same results.

Now that is very interesting. It's been a long time since I've been to Europe, but I remember thinking that alcoholism must be a big problem there. People would sit outside eating their lunch, having beer or wine. We'd be arrested if we tried that stunt here.

But of course, in the interest of science, I would volunteer my services for such a lofty endeavor. :yum: Sign me up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle2003

One of the first things the article says is that resveratrol helps protect against the effects of a high fat diet. Really? BS.

Maybe it enhances the effects of a high fat diet. I was just watching Anthony Bourdain last night, they were in Spain drinking wine and eating Iberico ham... the joy was there too when they sliced that fatty ham. Bourdain rubbed it against his lips. Salty, fatty Iberico ham! Maybe it's ham, wine, and joy that makes them live longer... :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmh

I'm convinced the French Paradox is down to Duck Confit. "Cured duck legs bathed in their own fat and slowly cooked to falling-off-the-bone perfection."

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm :yum: