By Guido Housemouser

We are all aging, and no one seems happy about it (except my small humans who seem overjoyed with the idea that someday they too will be able to drive the family car). My tall humans, the beloved grandma, and even our neighbor Dorothy (whom I’m not particularly fond of, she tattles on me when I dig in her flower beds, humph!) all bemoan the inevitable truth that everyone gets older.

I’m tired of the endless complaining (after all I’m getting older, too) so, I decided, purr usual, to see what options are available to support healthy aging. My research lead me to something called “the French Paradox” and Resveratrol. The French Paradox, in short, is a sweeping, on-going study surrounding how our French friends stay thinner and maintain cardiovascular health despite their higher-in-saturated fat diet (lots of delicious cheese and butter). Many, many studies and “in-the-know” fingers point to — you guessed it — Resveratrol.

Now I know you’re asking, “What is Resveratrol, Guido, and what is it good for?” Well, I’m so glad you asked. You see, Resveratrol, is a phytoalexin (basically a protective cellular reaction) produced naturally in plants when they are under attack from bacteria or fungi. Resveratrol is commonly found in grapes (very much so in red wine), berries, and peanuts. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that slows the aging process and promotes cardiovascular health.

We have discussed antioxidants, and their profound health benefits, several times before so, if you are a first-time reader, look antioxidants up, we’ve bigger fish (yummy, yummy) to fry! In promoting positive cardiovascular health, Resveratrol, helps to maintain healthy levels of good cholesterol and thus supporting arterial health. For instance, (I love saying that, I sound so authoritative) the Mayo Clinic stated in an article surrounding Resveratrol and red wine that, “Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine” that helps maintain healthy blood vessels, keep “bad” cholesterol in check and support healthy blood consistency.

Resveratrol has also become widely known as a great combatant of premature aging (thank goodness, I’m putting this supplement in all my adult humans’ paws as soon as possible).

Resveratrol, in the anti-aging capacity, works similarly to dramatic calorie cutting (my tall female human will be so pleased). Resveratrol helps to stimulate the SiRT1 gene (this is the gene that goes to work when humans begin to lose weight). The stimulation of SiRT1 is believed to help slow the aging process, assisting humans in achieving anti-aging benefits without having to undertake a hefty weight reduction diet.

So, if you have complaints about aging at your house, put them in the know about Resveratrol.

Guido Housemouser, a pseudonym used by a team of health education professionals, is credited with authoring the bi-weekly newsletter entitled, “Our Health News” The publication serves the global community associated with Our Health Co-op that has provided affordable support for its members’ health for over a decade.