Resveratrol, found in grapes and other foods, protects DNA from genetic damage by mimicking an amino acid that activates an enzyme to move to the cell nucleus. This discovery provides a mechanism for resveratrol's known health benefits, such as reducing cancer and heart disease risks while promoting longevity. A study found resveratrol binds to an enzyme in a way that protects chromosomes, with anti-cancer and age-fighting effects. While red wine contains resveratrol, cranberries, blueberries and pomegranates are also sources.

1. Resveratrol found in grapes
protects DNA, cuts risk of
heart disease, cancer
Tuesday, January 06, 2015 by: Jennifer Lilley
(NaturalNews) Resveratrol is no stranger to news
headlines and the health-minded people who are
privy to various findings about it.
After all, the organic compound has been touted
for its ability to slash heart disease risks and boost
health. Findings have shown that it has the ability
to keep certain cancers at bay and help prevent
aging, and may even play a role in weight loss. It's
been eyed as the reason behind why many
cultures that enjoy wine seem to be in good
health, and has also been shown to help improve
spinal bone density in men who have metabolic
syndrome.

2. At the same time, it's also been met with
resistance among naysayers who maintain that not
enough evidence truly exists.
Theories also abound that it's just an excuse for
red wine lovers to drink up, as the compound is
found in grapes. The Mayo Clinic, for example,
states that, despite its possible health benefits,
doctors are leery of recommending wine to
patients, as overconsumption can lead to health
problems. They also make certain to highlight that
most studies have involved animals, not humans,
and that, while it does come with benefits, they
are likely not long lasting.
There's also been a finding that the compound
may get in the way of physical activity results; one
study found that, in groups of people who
exercised -- some taking resveratrol and others, a
placebo -- it was the non-resveratrol group that
noted improvements in their fitness levels.
Resveratrol mimics naturally occurring amino acids
that protect us from genetic damage
However, research conducted by Matthew Sajish
and Paul Schimmel of the Scripps Research
Institute in La Jolla, California, has narrowed the
gap on the resveratrol debate. Their findings are in
line with those who have praised resveratrol's
ability to help health. The difference, though, is
their remarkable discovery that resveratrol mimics
tyrosine, a naturally occurring amino acid that
binds to enzymes. One such enzyme, TyrRS, is
activated when resveratrol binds to it, causing it to

3. move to the cell nucleus where it helps protect
chromosomes' DNA from genetic damage. Such
protection, the researchers say, includes tumor-
suppressing anti-cancer benefits as well as the
ability to increase longevity and fight illnesses that
develop with age.
"With these findings we have a new, fundamental
mechanism for the known beneficial effects of
resveratrol," Dr. Sajish said.
The study, titled, "A human tRNA synthetase is a
potent PARP1-activating effector target for
resveratrol," was published in the journal Nature.
"Because human tyrosyl transfer-RNA (tRNA)
synthetase (TyrRS) translocates to the nucleus
under stress conditions, we considered the
possibility that the tyrosine-like phenolic ring of
resveratrol might fit into the active site pocket to
effect a nuclear role," the study abstract states.
Clearly, they figured correctly, as they discovered
its ability to help protect from genetic damage.
"We believe that TyrRS has evolved to act as a
top-level switch or activator of a fundamental cell-
protecting mechanism that works in virtually all
forms of life," explained Dr. Sajish.
Food and drinks that are resveratrol sources
For those curious about the wine aspect that's
often been eyed as a go-to resveratrol source,
they suggest that, yes, enjoying the drink may
have benefits. "Based on these results," said Dr.
Sajish, "it is conceivable that moderate

4. consumption of a couple of glasses of red wine
would give a person enough resveratrol to evoke a
protective effect via this pathway." In particular,
wines made from Pinot Noir and St. Laurent grapes
have been found to have the highest levels of
resveratrol.
However, wine isn't the only source of the
compound, contrary to what many people think.
Cranberries, blueberries and pomegranates are
considered sources of resveratrol, although they
haven't been studied as extensively as red grapes
and wine.
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