The liver regulates chemical levels in the body and excretes bile, which breaks down fats for digestion and absorption. The live also performs many other functions including:

• Produces cholesterol to carry fats through the body
• Coverts excess sugar into glycogen for storage
• Regulates blood clotting
• Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream
• Regulates amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein

Studies have shown that one or two glasses of wine or alcoholic drinks per day may be beneficial to the human body. However, when this level is exceeded, there is likelihood of developing several liver conditions: 1) hepatitis, 2) cirrhosis, and 3) fatty liver. 

Resveratrol was studied in conjunction with alcohol consumption in laboratory animals. Luis Bujand, department of genetics at Basurto Hospital in Spain concluded, “Resveratrol reduces mortality and liver damage produced by alcohol in mice. Resveratrol could be administered to patients which chronic alcoholism to reduce the mortality and liver damage associated with alcohol abuse.”

Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Leukaemia cells have been shown to die when treated with grape seed, and whole-grape extracts. In one study, a commercially available extract caused 75% of the blood cancer cells to be destroyed  – in a process of natural self-destruction of cancer cells called apoptosis. In addition, all healthy cells remained unharmed. New treatments are believed to result from such studies, including several nutraceuticals. It is believed that the antioxidants and Resveratrol in grapeseed (as well as in whole-grape extracts) create the observed results.

 ”These results could have implications for the incorporation of agents such as grape seed extract into prevention or treatment of haematological (blood) malignancies and possibly other cancers,” said Professor Xianglin Shi, from the University of Kentucky in Philadelphia.

Filed under: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Many doctors recommend a “baseline evaluation” before taking or making changes in pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals. The question is which baselines make sense for Resveratrol and Red Wine grape extracts.

While these baselines are not necessary or required before taking supplements, you should consider asking your doctor for recommendations.

First, baselines and blood tests depend upon your particular physiology, and the expected benefits of the nutraceutical. For Resveratrol and Red Wine polyphenol extracts, it has been scientifically shown that the following levels can be effected. Of course, you should consult your physicians to determine the appropriate tests for you personally.

• Blood sugar levels
• Fats, lipids and cholesterol
• Hormonal Levels

Blood Sugar Levels

The HgA1C (hemoglobin A1C) blood test is recommended as a medical measure to test and determine the cumulative effects of high levels of blood sugar. It measures the amount of glucose binding to the hemoglobin of red blood cells.  Blood sugar, HgA1C, and insulin levels are a predictor of the propensity for type 2 diabetes. In tests of a population of patients taking Vindure 900, blood sugar levels have been taken pre- and post- treatment, and have been shown to decrease over time.

Fats, Lipids and Cholesterol

A lipid and fat profile generally includes LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Excessive fat levels can lead to inflammation in the body. Of course, cholesterol is also a potential marker for cardiovascular issues. Once again, patients taking Vindure 900 have in some cases shown a decrease in many lipid levels.

Hormonal Levels

Abnormal hormonal levels are markets to a wide variety of potential issues in humans. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most frequent problems, and may be associated with overweight patients. Thyroid deficiencies can also lead to fatigue, dry skin, weight gain, and other issues.

Other hormonal levels to be tested are estrogen, testosterone, growth hormone, and others. As always, a physician should be consulted.

Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, Resveratrol and Red Wine grape polyphenols are being studied by scientists around the globe for its potential for treating arthritis. Researchers at Germany’s University of Munich reported their work in 2007 on the regulation of inflammation on human subjects in knee cartilage. Resveratrol was found to exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects.

Animals were studied in Turkey on chemically related arthritis. Scientists injected irritant material directly into the joints of animals. Indeed those animals treated with Resvertrol injected directly into their joints showed only mild inflammation, compared with the control group. 

Indeed, Resveratrol and other anti-inflammatory natural substances such as Fish Oils may actually be able to replace pharmaceuticals and other drugs such as aprin, which as we know have inherent side effects such as bleeding ulcers.

Dr. Joseph Maroon took over 200 patients who were on Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra or Ibuprofen, and treated them with pharmaceutical-grade Fish Oils. Their positive results were published in Surgical Neurology in 2007. According to Dr. Maroon, “I looked into the mechanism through which fish oil was effective and discovered that it worked along the same pathways as Resveratrol.”

Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Green tea is a highly recommended addition to the human diet, and deserves its own section in the Learning Center.

The tea plant is technically known as Camellia Sinensis. All tea varieties come from this species (green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea). The differences are in the processing methods. Other “teas” from flowers such as peppermint, camomile, etc. are not “technically” teas. 

Every kind of tea contains some polyphenols, but the minimal processing that Green tea undergoes produces the highest content of polyphenols available in teas. Due to these polyphenols, Green tea is very high inantioxidants which are, like Resveratrol and red wine extracts, known to have a great many health benefits.

In particular, Green tea is very high in Flavonoid antioxidant polyphenols, which are again linked to red wine and the French Paradox. The most powerful flavonoids present in both red wine and green teas are catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid. Resveratrol, is not contained in most green tea, or is in small dosages.

The best kind of Green teas are those which are minimally processed, whole leaf teas, versus the “chopped up” variety found in most commercially available teas, although these kinds still are worth drinking.

The following book is highly recommended as a source of valuable information about Green Tea, its origins, medicinal benefits, etc.

The Green Tea Book, The Science-Backed “Miracle Cure”

Lester A. Mitcher, PhD., and Victoria Dolby Toews, MPH

Filed under: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Dr. Joseph Maroon is professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), and team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is also the author of The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life.

In a September 2009 edition of Bottom Line Health, Dr. Maroon recommends the following foods in addition to taking a mixed-polyphenol (Resveratrol + Red Wine grape polyphenols) supplement. He states, “I recommend the mixed-polyphenol supplement Vindure 900 developed by Vinomis Laboratories based on Harvard University research.”

EXCERPT from the Article: The Simple Supplement that May Prevent Killer Diseases. All about resveratrol.

Red Wine or Red Grape Juice. Wine grapes with the most resveratrol include pinot noir, merlot, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, and termpranillo. (These wines also deliver up to about 500 different polyphenols along with resveratrol) Suggested daily intake: 4 – 16 ounces for men and up to 6 ounces for women.

Pomegranate Juice. It is a good source of resveratrol and many other antioxidants. Suggested daily intake: 3 – 5 ounces

Dark Chocolate. It is a rich source of concentrated flavonols, a potent type of polyphenol. Select unsweetened or semi-sweetened varieties with at least 70% cocoa. Suggested daily intake: One bite-sized square.

Green Tea. Green tea contains resveratrol and is rich in epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG) and other polyphenols.Suggested daily intake: 3 eight-ounce cups. Decaffeinated green tea contains EGCG but relatively little resveratro.

Blueberries. They are rich in procyanidins and other polyphenols. Suggested daily intake: At least 1 cup (fresh or frozen).

Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

If Red Wine, and to a lesser extent White Wine, is good for you, what about beer? The main beneficial element discovered in red wine is resveratrol, a powerful anti-oxidant. Beer doesn’t contain any resveratrol. But the presence of folate in beer helps lower the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation. Beer also reduces blood clots and it has been shown to improve mental function in women as well as increasing bone density. 

Beer does not generally contain any fats or cholesterol, so it might come as a surprise to those that associate beer drinking with being overweight but there isn’t a trace of fat in beer. Brewers and beer connoisseurs have known this for quite a while.  

But if there’s no fat, then where does the beer belly come from?  Beer contains lots of carbohydrates, and like all foods in this group, if you eat too much, your body will eventually turn them into fat. In addition, it has less to do with drinking a beer and more about the customs of beer drinking, which often accompany other fatty foods like hamburgers, fries, etc.

Plus, drinking a few beers can make even the most energetic of us a bit lethargic. It’s no surprise that inactivity can add to an expanding waistline. But one beer (not a 6-pack), all by itself, won’t significantly affect your weight one way or another. In fact some studies have shown that beer helps to reduce triglycerides and LDL (LDL is the bad sort of cholesterol).

Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Is it the Resveratrol, wine, alcohol or grapes?

The simple answer is yes!

The French Paradox, and countless university and scientific studies have proven that grapes, wine, Resveratrol, and even alcohol in small quantities provide significant health benefits.

When visiting Dr. Baur (who discovered Resveratrol along with Dr. Sinclair while at Harvard Medical School) he reminded me that Resveratrol is only one of 19 compounds found to increase SIRT genes, and increase longevity. He also told me that it is definitely the interaction among Resveratrol and all the other polyphenols that provide the bioactivity and bioavailability in animals and humans.

By what mechanism does this interaction take place?

In the scientific world, that’s like asking why your mother is a nice person (or not). There are too many factors to consider. Still, many studies are underway and are unlocking the mechanisms for this interactivity among polyphenols including Resveratrol.

Nonetheless, studies have clearly demonstrated the outstanding properties of Resveratrol along with red wine polyphenols as antioxidants, blood sugar levelers, cholesterol lowering, energy and mood increasing, and many others.

Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Note that there have been literally hundreds of medical human and animal studies on these fruits, wines and extracts. These include whole grape, grape seed and grape skin extracts. Remember that the extracts come from the GRAPES, not wine, since it makes no sense to create wine, and then extract the grape elements and remove the alcohol.

The benefits of Grapes and Red wine (Resveratrol, polyphenols, Quercetin, etc.) can be taken from:

• White grapes (low concentrations)
• White wine (low concentrations)
• Red or Black Grapes 
• Grape Juices
• Red Wine
• Grape and Resveratrol Extracts (highest concentration)
• Resveratrol supplements

Also in case you’re wondering, Vindure 900 includes Whole Grape extract including the seeds, skins and pulp and is manufactured from French Bordeaux Grapes.

Filed under: Uncategorized | No Comments »

This is a favorite chart from Dr. Joseph Maroon’s book, The Longevity Factor, page 109.

=========

Top Five Cancer-Causing Foods

• Hot dogs
• Processed meats and bacon
• Doughnuts
• French fries
• Chips, crackers, cookies (other packaged goods too)

These products contain: hydrogenated oils (trans fats), which, besides being a cancer factor, promote heart  disease and belly fat; acrylamides, which are created during the frying process; and sodium nitrite (and nitrates), which are added to processed meats, hot dogs, bacon, and any other meat that needs a reddish color to look “fresh.” During digestion, sodium nitrate is converted to nitrosamine, which is a carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent.

==========

So should you immediately stop eating all of these foods? Yes, if you can and have the willpower. More likely, try and stop eating so much of them. The next time you reach for any packaged food in a box in the supermarket, think again. A hot dog at a ball game is fun with the family, but try cooking fish or chicken at the next family bar-b-que. French fries are surely tough to give up, but try making your own and use olive oil instead of eating those at a fast food restaurant.

And the next time you think of these foods, think Dr. Maroon, think longevity, think Resveratrol and Red Wine grape extracts, and think Vinomis

Filed under: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »