Health for life

The potent phenolic compound resveratrol and its close cousin, pterostilbene have long been touted for their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar-lowering health benefits. Information published in the prestigious journal publications, Neurobiology of Aging and The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry both cite resveratrol and pterostilbene as powerful brain-boosting agents, enhancing cognitive and mental function while lowering the risk from many forms of dementia.

Pterostilbene, chemically similar to resveratrol, is a bioactive protective compound found commonly in many fresh fruits and vegetables. Numerous research studies show the two compounds acts to reduce inflammation throughout the body, a process behind seven of the ten most common disease processes that lead to death. Including this potent duo as part of your healthy diet, or from supplementation may help aid memory retention.

Resveratrol is a bioactive compound extracted most commonly from the skin of red grapes and found at differing concentrations in red wine. Researchers in Japan working with mice examined the effect of consuming red wine with a resveratrol concentration of 20 mg per liter, compared with a lower concentration of 3.1 mg per liter. A typical glass of red wine averages 4.7 mg per liter of resveratrol concentration.

The scientists found that the higher resveratrol concentration resulted in improved cognitive function using a variety of spatial and memory intensive tests. The benefits were linked to an increase in the production of a peptide called insulin-like growth-factor-I (IGF-I) that promotes the growth of blood vessels and neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain. Researchers commented “It is thus possible that drinking red wine with regular concentrations of resveratrol for long periods lowers the risk of age-associated cognitive decline.” Experts recommend an intake of 25 to 50 mg of resveratrol each day for optimal health effects.

In a separate research study conducted at Case Western Reserve University and Tufts University, two groups of mice were fed either identical doses of resveratrol or pterostilbene, about the equivalent of drinking two glasses of wine. While both compounds were found to boost levels of cognition, those receiving the pterostilbene demonstrated modulated markers of cellular stress and inflammation. This effect was not seen in the resveratrol supplemented mice.

The researchers concludedthat because of the slight structural difference between the two compounds, “This change may lead to a better bioavailability of pterostilbene and consequently a more neuroprotective effect in the brain.” Pterostilbene is available naturally through a diet including blueberries, grapes, cranberries and olive oil or can be supplemented (50 mg per day) to meet nutritional goals. Both compounds provide a healthy synergistic effect that can help preserve memories and mental function as we age.