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Health Benefits of Resveratrol And Should You Take It? – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Youve heard an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but a glass of wine or even a glass of grape juice could keep you feeling healthy in a variety of ways, thanks to a key ingredient known as resveratrol. Before you uncork your next bottle or seek out supplements, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, breaks down what you should know about resveratrols benefits.

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Resveratrol is a polyphenol, a naturally occurring highly powerful antioxidant. Although you can find it in peanuts, blueberries and cranberries, its most prominent in the skin of grapes and shines through in natural grape juice and red wine.

Red wine is fermented with grape skins, so it contains resveratrol, says Zumpano. There is some resveratrol in white wine, but red wine contains three to 10 times more resveratrol compared to white wine.

Like other antioxidants, resveratrol contains various protective qualities that may help your body carry on a number of daily processes and fight off illness. And while thereve been numerous studies documenting a wide array of antioxidants potential benefits that include anti-aging effects, anti-cancer effects and more, many more studies need to be done on resveratrol alone. However, there are several properties of resveratrol that might make these benefits possible.

We know resveratrol is an anti-inflammatory because its an antioxidant, so it affects cells in your body by protecting them from damage. Most notably, it helps with brain and heart inflammation by providing a protective lining for your blood vessels and preventing insult or injury. This means it could have neuroprotective qualities and help preserve memory and brain function, as well as prevent heart disease and strokes.

Resveratrol and other antioxidants are kind of like Saran wrap for your cells, says Zumpano. They wrap around the cell like a nice layer, so when you have compounds floating around your bloodstream and the environment that are trying to attack and damage that cell, you have this extra layer of protection.

Zumpano says antioxidants help with multiple systems in your body. A diet high in antioxidant-rich foods promotes high levels of HDL (good cholesterol) and low levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). The foods that you eat affect your entire body your cells, bones, blood and organs. The higher the antioxidant content, the greater the entire body is protected from disease and suppresses inflammation, says Zumpano.

Polyphenols also appear to improve the function of blood vessels and may help slow down the formation of blood clots.Alcohol can also act as a blood thinner, so red wine, when consumed responsibly, can help reduce clot formation. Therefore, if you combine polyphenols and alcohol, you have an even greater blood-thinning effect.

Resveratrol has a fairly low toxicity level. Its reasonably well tolerated up to 5 grams per day. Studies have indicated nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues can occur when consuming higher doses. But these higher doses cannot be reached by diet alone and are usually reached when you consume supplements.

To benefit from resveratrol, Zumpano suggests working 1 gram of resveratrol into your diet each day, and that its important this comes from natural sources. A glass of wine or grape juice is OK, but turning to resveratrol supplements may not be the right path to take, as too much of a good thing can sometimes present negative effects. Supplements arent regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so you can never be certain you are getting the amount of resveratrol that a product claims it provides. Plus, anytime you can tap a natural source, youre bound to benefit from it.

There is a certain amount of resveratrol that your body cannot absorb and its difficult to determine that amount, says Zumpano. The case with most supplements is youre certainly going to absorb it and utilize it much better from a real dietary source.

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Experts Solutions To Deal With Forehead Lines – Doctor NDTV

Dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad shares a video where she talks about this skin problem.

Forehead lines get pronounced with age, stress, sun exposure and smoking

Forehead lines may not be a problem for the youth. But with ageing, these lines can get more prominent and can become a facial feature that not many people want to show. What to do if you want to avoid or resolve the issue of prominent forehead lines? Dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad shows us the way. She recently posted about the different ways in which this problem can be tackled. Here's what she wrote, "Lines that are seen on the forehead, straight horizontal lines are called forehead lines. These are usually seen when a person tries to raise his/her eyebrows. Forehead lines are not seen in younger individuals. They only get more pronounced with age, stress, sun exposure and smoking."

Here are the tips that can help you deal with forehead lines:

These are the basic ways in which one can treat forehead lines. But, the lines can still persist. Here's what Dr Jaishree Sharad wrote about it, "If the lines persist, there is no harm in taking tiny doses of Botox to reduce the lines. Never aim at making the lines disappear completely. You have got to keep the face looking natural and youthful."

Take a look at her video:

Earlier, Dr Jaishree Sharad had shared videos about the different causes and signs of ageing. She wrote, "Intrinsic ageing is a natural process of ageing. Extrinsic ageing occurs due to stress, pollution, smoking, sugar, alcohol, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and sun exposure."

The dermatologists also made a video on how to deal with under-eye wrinkles. She wrote, "For under eye wrinkles, opt for creams or serums with peptides, vitamin C, resveratrol or retinol. Retinol is of course not safe during pregnancy and lactation. Dab a few drops of serum under the eye at bedtime after removing all eye make-up and thoroughly cleansing the face. Apply a moisturiser over the under-eye serum."

(Disclaimer: The health tips shared in this article are based on common practices and general knowledge. Readers are advised to consult a doctor before following them at home.)

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

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How spending just ten minutes a day on one of these simple life hacks can improve your mood and your h… – The Sun

THE secret of living to a ripe old age might actually be as easy as a walk in the park.

A study has found that just ten minutes of daily exercise could add years on.

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Here, CLAIRE DUNWELL and ALICE McINTYRE reveal ten more quick ways you can increase your lifespan.

Go on, give them a try it wont take long.

A GLASS of wine every day wont just help you live longer, it can also keep you mentally sharp into old age, say researchers.

Red wine contains resveratrol, which is a chemical proven to provide antiageing benefits.

When it is drunk in moderation, it increases longevity, improves memory and also cuts the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Julia Jones, neuroscientist and founder of Neuron Wellness, says: Some studies also show it was actually the social aspects of drinking that produced the benefit.

YOU dont have to waltz around like youre on Strictly, just a little jig in the kitchen can help you dodge death.

A study of 5,000 older people by National Institutes of Health, in Maryland, discovered that adding ten minutes of physical activity a day prevented 111,174 deaths a year.

Dr Jones says: Dancing delivers multiple wellness benefits because its a highly complex task for the brain to juggle.

Music also boosts key brain chemicals that make us feel good, plus its social. Its a win-win wellness habit."

CANT resist having a cheeky power nap?

Far from being a lazy habit, a Greek study of more than 23,000 people showed that occasional nappers have a 12 per cent lower coronary mortality ratio.

Between ten and 20 minutes a day is the perfect cat nap. Any longer can leave us groggy.

So, enjoy some extra shut-eye just dont forget to set an alarm.

WE all remember to brush our teeth. But the same cant be said for flossing.

According to the Journal of Aging Research, adding a regular ten minutes of flossing to your dental routine can increase your lifespan.

Not only does it prevent tooth loss, it can also protect against gum disease, which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and kidney failure.

GIVE yourself a real wake-up call with a cold shower.

Cold water improves circulation, which can help your body heal faster and keep your heart healthy.

Dr Jones says: Its is a simple way to put the body and nervous system under a bit of stress through temperature changes. This helps improve our in-built stress response and your skin feels great afterwards.

IF you are feeling under the weather, dont put off going to the GP.

According to a 2014 study by Harvard University in the US, 320 deaths a year could have been prevented by more access to healthcare.

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Far from wasting your doctors time, a ten-minute consultation could save your life as they may spot risk-factors that lead to serious illness.

Seeing the same GP can also reduce your risk of going to hospital for heart disease and diabetes.

PUZZLES arent just for fun they are life extenders too.

A 2019 study by Exeter University and Kings College London found that doing daily mind games such as Sudoku or crosswords can keep your brain younger by as much as ten years compared with non-puzzlers.

Dr Jones says: Our brain loves novel complex tasks. Thats how it makes new neural pathways and keeps our cognitive reserve high.

Learning languages and musical instruments is also a superb brain health tool."

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A FIERY curry could mean longer life, say scientists in China.

The study of nearly 500,000 people found those who ate spicy food once a week or more were ten per cent less likely to die in the seven-year follow-up period than people who ate it less than once a week.

Capsaicin, an ingredient found in spices, is said to have anti-obesity, antioxidant and also some anti-inflammatory qualities.

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COUPLES who enjoy sex at least twice a week tend to have higher amounts of the antibody Immunoglobulin A (IgA) than couples who indulged less than once a week.

This was discovered in a study by Wilkes University in Pennsylvania.

IgA wards off illness, keeping the immune system strong.

Dr Jones explains: Testosterone and estrogen have anti-inflammatory effects.

Chronic inflammation accelerates biological ageing, so sex keeps you young.

US researchers reckon a good old chat over the garden fence or popping in for a cuppa can help you live longer.

A study by Brigham Young University in Utah found that forging just three social ties may reduce your risk of early death by more than 200 per cent.

Other studies also link a healthy social life to positive changes in heart, brain, hormonal and immune function, which may decrease the risk of chronic diseases.

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Red wine: Benefits and risks – Medical News Today

Red wine contains powerful antioxidants, and many sources claim that drinking it has health benefits. What does the research say?

Researchers have studied wine especially red wine extensively for its possible health benefits.

This article looks at the evidence behind the benefits of red wine, along with health warnings, and discusses whether people should drink it.

Red wine has been part of social, religious, and cultural events for hundreds of years. Medieval monasteries believed that their monks lived longer partly because of their regular, moderate drinking of wine.

In recent years, science has indicated that there could be truth in these claims.

According to a 2018 study, although notably there are no official recommendations around these benefits, drinking red wine in moderation has positive links with:

Red wine may get its health benefits from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating effects.

Red wine made from crushed dark grapes is a relatively rich source of resveratrol, a natural antioxidant in the skin of grapes.

Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress has clear links with many diseases, including cancers and heart disease.

There are many healthful, antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

Whole grapes and berries are better sources of resveratrol than red wine, and because of the health risks linked with drinking alcohol, getting antioxidants from foods is likely to be more healthful than drinking wine.

People may need to drink a lot of red wine to get enough resveratrol to have an effect, which could do more harm than good.

That said, when choosing between alcoholic beverages, red wine may be more healthful than some others.

The following sections take a closer look at the possible health benefits of red wine.

Many studies through the years have shown a positive link between moderate red wine drinking and good heart health.

Recently, a 2019 review reported that drinking red wine is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, which is a leading cause of disease and death in the United States.

The authors concluded that red wine might have cardioprotective effects.

However, the American Heart Association (AHA) say that such studies do not show cause-and-effect relationships. Other factors may play a role. For example, people who drink red wine in moderation may also follow a more healthful lifestyle or a Mediterranean diet.

They also point out that excess alcohol can directly harm the heart. To stay safe, people should stay within official CDC guidelines from the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), which define moderate drinking as:

One glass of wine is 5 ounces (oz) of 12% alcohol by volume.

A 2018 study reports that polyphenols from red wine and grapes can improve the gut microbiota, contributing to a healthy gut.

According to 2012 research, red wine compounds may also act as prebiotics, which are compounds that boost healthy gut bacteria.

In 2016, researchers suggested red wine could reduce the risk of heart disease through its effects on the gut microbiome.

However, the research is limited, and doctors need more evidence before understanding the true effects of red wine on gut health.

One 2015 study has shown that drinking a glass of red wine with dinner modestly decreases cardiometabolic risk in people with type 2 diabetes and that a moderate intake of red wine is usually safe.

The scientists believe that the ethanol in wine plays a crucial role in metabolizing glucose and that the nonalcoholic ingredients may also contribute. They call for more research to confirm the findings.

Anyone with diabetes should check with their doctor before drinking alcohol.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), resveratrol an antioxidant in red wine may reduce blood pressure and increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

In 2006, scientists reported that red wine compounds called procyanidins help keep the blood vessels healthy.

Many people find an alcoholic drink relaxes them, but results published in 2012 indicate that nonalcoholic red wine, too, can reduce blood pressure. This could be a more healthful option.

It is important, however, to note that drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure and arrhythmia, or an irregular heart rhythm.

A 2015 review reports that resveratrol may help protect against secondary brain damage after a stroke or central nervous system injury. This is due to its positive effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death.

However, these studies show the effects of resveratrol rather than red wine itself.

Resveratrol may also help prevent vision loss by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, according to 2016 research.

Many forms of age-related eye conditions that cause vision loss involve these factors, including:

Some research says that drinking red wine in moderation could reduce the risk of certain cancers.

However, the National Cancer Institute say there is strong evidence that drinking alcohol can cause certain cancers, especially drinking heavily over time.

This is partly because it creates toxins in the body, damages body tissues, and creates oxidation. This means that the potential adverse effects of alcohol may outweigh any benefit from resveratrol.

The National Cancer Institute links alcohol use with a range of cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancer.

For most people, enjoying red wine in moderation is safe, but it is important to keep in mind that drinking alcohol in excess is harmful.

Some studies, however, link moderate red wine intake with reduced risk or better outcomes in cancer. The following sections look at specific studies into red wine and particular types of cancer.

Alcohol increases estrogen in the body, a chemical that encourages the growth of cancer cells.

However, a 2012 study says that the aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in red wine and to a lesser extent, white wine may reduce estrogen levels and increase testosterone in females approaching menopause.

The researchers say that this may be why red wine is less associated with increased breast cancer risk than other types of alcohol.

A 2017 review reports that resveratrol has protective effects against cancer in both human and laboratory studies. The mechanisms include preventing cell proliferation and tumor growth, inducing cell death in cancer cells, and inhibiting metastasis.

However, again, these effects are for resveratrol rather than red wine itself.

A study from 2019 reports that males who drank alcohol had a slightly lower risk of lethal prostate cancer, and that red wine had links with a lower risk of progression to lethal disease.

The authors say that these results mean moderate alcohol consumption is safe for people with prostate cancer.

According to a 2018 report, researchers have found an increased risk of dementia in people who abstained from drinking wine.

The authors say that this may be because of the neuroprotective effects of polyphenols and other compounds in wine that can reduce inflammation and alter the lipid profile in the body.

A 2013 study on 5,505 people over 7 years showed that those who drank between 27 glasses of wine each week had lower levels of depression.

They also reported that people who drank heavily were more at risk for depression.

Alcohol is a common cause of liver disease. However, a moderate intake of red wine has links with good liver health in some contexts.

According to a 2018 study, modest alcohol intake particularly wine is linked with lower liver fibrosis in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

That said, the impact of red wine on liver health is complicated. Although it provides antioxidants and reduces oxidative stress, drinking can also increase uric acid and triglycerides, which damages the liver.

Researchers need to complete more studies to work out the complex effects of moderate red wine intake on liver health.

That said, people who currently have liver disease should avoid alcohol altogether.

Drinking red wine in moderation may reduce the risk of some chronic disease, as discussed above, so it follows that it may help people to live longer.

Indeed, one popularized 2000 study reported that Men aged 4564 at entry drinking about 5 drinks per day have a longer life expectancy than occasional and heavy drinkers.

However, this is likely due to confounding factors, such as diet, as discussed in a 2018 review. For instance, red wine is a common addition to the Mediterranean diet, an eating pattern that has established links with good health and long life.

Resveratrol appears to underlie many of the health benefits of red wine.

Red wine contains more resveratrol than white wine as it is fermented with the skins, while white wine is not. Most of the resveratrol in grapes is in the seeds and skin.

Nonalcoholic red wines may also include resveratrol.

For most people, enjoying a glass or two of red wine each day can be part of a healthful diet.

The key is moderation. Regardless of the possible health benefits, drinking excess alcohol can do more harm than good.

Despite any possible benefits, official U.S. guidelines do not recommend that people start drinking or drink more for any reason.

Is moderate drinking good for you? Read more here.

Ultimately, many of the benefits linked to red wine are due to the beneficial properties of resveratrol. Eating grapes and berries may, therefore, be a more healthful option.

Drinking red wine in moderation may have certain health benefits, including boosting heart, gut, and brain health. This is because it contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-improving effects.

Drinking alcohol is not safe for everyone, and drinking more than a moderate amount can cause serious health problems.

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The #1 Best Wine for Anti-Aging, According to Dietitians Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

There are undoubtedly reasons to make sure that you're not drinking too much alcohol, however, it turns out that having wine each day might not be the big guilty pleasure that you think it is. For some people, it could be a good thing to enjoy a glass of red wine, which can be quite beneficial when it comes to its anti-aging effects.

"The mechanism is the antioxidants in red wine," Richard Baxter, MD, told WebMD. "Antioxidants sop up damaging free radicals that play a role in aging and age-related diseases. In fact, Dr. Baxter was bold enough to say: "Drinking a glass of red wine a day is the single most important thing that you can do other than nonsmoking, from an anti-aging point of view."

Related: Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter for more of the latest health and food news!

"Although injections and creams are the best known anti-aging weapons, I'm here to tell you red wine is the real deal," says Nataly Komova, RD, nutritionist and fitness expert for JustCBD. "A glass of red wine pumps antioxidants including tannin, flavonoid, and resveratrol into our bodies, correcting the collagen and elastic fibers deficit."

Why is that helpful? "Sufficient collagen and elastic fibers help fight age-related diseases, allowing you to look younger," says Komova.

While that's already impressive, Rebecca Schilling, RDN, LDN at USA Rx, also says,"Red wine is recommended in popular science-based diets such as the MIND diet and the Mediterranean diet" due to the fact that it "has a high polyphenol content, which provides the desired anti-inflammatory effect we seek for slowing the aging process."

Beyond that, Dr. Rashmi Byakodi, a health and wellness writer and editor of Best for Nutrition says thatresearch has shown "resveratrol present in red wine prevents aging-related decline in cardiovascular function, including cholesterol level, and inflammatory response." Additionally, according to further research, "resveratrol at a particular range of concentration, inhibits apoptotic cell death, thereby providing protection from various diseases."

However, Schilling notes that there isn't enough evidence to suggest that non-drinkers start picking up the habit of drinking one glass of red wine a day. If you do already drink, Schilling stresses, "Moderation is key. Overconsumption of alcohol has the opposite effect you are seeking for anti-aging. My recommendation would be to keep it to a single glass of red wine at dinner time."

To find out more about why enjoying a little Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot at dinner can be a good idea, be sure to read 12 Surprising Health Benefits of Red Wine.

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Do collagen supplements live up to the hype and will they transform my skin? – Irish Examiner

Collagen is in your face: You have plenty and if youre a woman you were likely told to fear losing it before you knew what it was. Seeing Goldie Hawns characters doctor refuse to inject her with more in The First Wives Club is my earliest memory.

Injecting collagen is currently less popular than shooting in hyaluronic acid or Botox (Ms Hawn injected her lips with saline for the film), but collagen is still big business in other forms. Youve probably seen ads for skin-smoothing collagen supplements. The wide variety on the market is sometimes promoted with female customer testimonials.

The collagen in supplements comes from a variety of animal and vegan sources and determining which (if any) works as promised is challenging.

I am directing this piece towards women because the anti-ageing collagen supplement business targets us. We typically have less collagen in our skin naturally. Also, while both men and women lose collagen over time, women can lose a visibly significant amount quickly during menopause because of the role oestrogen plays in our collagen development.

Transparency troubles

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is responsible for regulating supplements under various European Directives transposed into Irish law, but the standard of proof of efficacy is not the same as that for pharmaceuticals. For the media, it is hard to honestly recommend any supplement that effectively beefs up the skins collagen beyond sharing the manufacturers own research and a still small number of independent studies involving collagen peptides that may not be in the given supplement.

Even unsponsored testimonials that a customer or journalist shares after trying one brand may be undermined by the influence of their unshared lifestyle habits and exposures. Dr Andrea Suarez, a Houston-based dermatologist who has made informational videos on these supplements as they pertain to the skin, points out that our knowledge of test subjects in collagen trials is similarly limited. We know nothing about their medical histories or their diets and lifestyle habits during these trials.

Testing any supplement for yourself takes some investment, as you may need to consume well over a months worth of any given product before making a fair assessment, depending on the brands advice.

How it works

Supplement brands may benefit unfairly from a widespread understanding that collagen in your skin makes you look younger coupled with misunderstanding of how the body processes the collagen we swallow.

We can consume collagen in our diet, but this doesnt necessarily become collagen in our body, says Maria Lucey, a registered dietitian based in Dublin. The body recognises collagen supplements as protein, and this is then broken down into amino acids that join the pool of the amino acids we get from food.

The body draws from this pool for whatever it needs protein for most, which may not be collagen. The supplements have no agency, they cant tell your body theyre earmarked for the skin.

Perhaps more importantly, protein is just one co-factor required for the skins collagen development. The skins natural collagen synthesis is a complex operation that require resources and behaviours that no supplement can cover.

Pro-collagen foods

There are many foods that can help your body make better quality collagen (quality does decline with age) and to repair or replace damaged collagen. Cooking with your collagen in mind can result in a fabulous, varied diet that benefits multiple bodily systems, not just the skin.

As mentioned, the body processes collagen supplements into amino acids and it is true that protein helps with making your own collagen. Ideal sources include lean meat, fish, and legumes. Egg whites are high in the amino acid lysine, which is important for collagen synthesis.

Healthy skin cells are coated with a protective fatty membrane. Omega 3 fatty acids support this and help prevent collagen destruction. If you dont like fish, you can get these from walnuts and chia and flaxseeds.

Dark green, leafy vegetables are an important group, their vitamin C is vital to collagen synthesis and important for good overall health. These vegetables are also high in folic acid which is important to healthy skin cell division and proliferation. Folic acid is a great support to your genetically imputed rate of skin healing and repair. Red fruits and vegetables are packed with lycopene, which better equips your skin to handle environmental stressors, further protecting your collagen. Harley Street dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting recommends a tomato (as well as an unpeeled apple) a day for glowing skin.

Orange vegetables have Vitamin A, which helps restore and repair damaged collagen.

It is better to get your Vitamin A from food than supplements because this is a fat-soluble vitamin that can accumulate in the body to toxic levels if you keep taking it without a doctors supervision. Orange foods are also rich in carotenoids, which help to protect collagen from the stress of your daily grind.

Vitamin C-rich fruits are delicious berries, kiwi, citrus fruits and so good for collagen production. Soy is packed with isoflavones and has genistein, which helps inhibit the collagen-destroying enzyme family matrix metalloproteinases, which we produce in response to UV radiation and oxidative stress. Garlic is a great natural source of sulphur, which is very helpful in healthy collagen production. Garlic is also high in taurine and lipoic acid, which support collagen repair. Combining Vitamin C, garlic, protein, and much more, hummus and carrot batons make a pretty skin-perfect snack.

Sugar and alcohol vs collagen

Collagen provides skin with most of its structural integrity and makes up a whopping 75% of its dry weight.

Age-related decline contributes to its breakdown but there are many lifestyle factors and exposures that speed this up, including UV radiation, stress, smoking, pollution, lack of sleep, and high sugar and alcohol consumption. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) destroy collagen and are most often associated with a diet high in processed, sugary foods. Red meat has higher levels of AGEs than white meat, as does smoked or fried meat. Food preparation plays a role. For example, fried chips are higher in AGEs than a baked potato. Low heat and slow cooking are generally better for your face.

Its not that we need to cut out [less nutritious] foods completely, but their presence in the diet can mean nutritional needs are not met elsewhere, says Maria Lucey.

For example, we know that 80% of Irish adults dont meet their daily fibre needs and around 47% of Irish women dont meet their iron needs. Displacement is an issue.

Alcohol dehydrates the skin and weakens its natural antioxidant defence system. Alcohol causes skin inflammation, releasing a histamine that dilates the bloods capillaries. The redness this causes can become permanent over time and the inflammation impedes collagen repair.

Wine and beer contain sulphites that can cause facial puffiness. Someone always mentions the polyphenol resveratrol in red wine whenever I talk about alcohol and the skin. Resveratrol is great but red wine is a dehydrating vasodilator, so its probably better for the skin to moderate your consumption and get most of your resveratrol directly from red or purple grapes.

Collagen and oestrogen

Oestrogen is important to collagen synthesis and menopause can make a significant difference to womens skin in a brief period. The menopause is a tiring and potentially vulnerable time, taking better care of yourself than you ever have is in order, and I would strongly recommend seeing a doctor before having any cosmetic treatments or buying new skincare or supplements. People who work in retail, salons, aesthetic clinics, and spas are trained to deal with your outsides and menopause is an internal change.

The decision to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is very personal, but we do know that one of the benefits is more youthful-looking skin that functions better. HRT supports new, healthy collagen development and the strengthening of skins natural moisture barrier.

Studies show that oestrogen can increase the collagen content of the skin, says Geraldine Sexton, a Tullamore-based dietitian and behaviour and mindset coach specialising in womens health.

A study in 2000 (randomised, double blind, and placebo-controlled) demonstrated a 6.5% increase in skin collagen fibres after six months treatment with oestrogen, she says.

Another study showed that skin elasticity in women declines post-menopause at a rate of 1.5% and this isnt seen in women taking HRT. There is nothing vain about looking into HRT and, in my view, it doesnt mean youre surrendering to the patriarchy (an argument Ive seen made in newspapers mainstream broadsheets more than once), skin that functions optimally is important for sound health reasons.

It is worth noting, however, that HRT will not replenish collagen damage you may be doing through UV exposure. Wearing broad-spectrum SPF50 every day is non-negotiable if you are serious about protecting your collagen.

Supplementary ideas

Some supplements are useful in maintaining good skin because some things are difficult to get without consuming large quantities of food.

Supplementing with Vitamin D, for example, can help skin heal and may be necessary year-round with the Irish climate. Many women are iron insufficient because of their diet and menstruation. Magnesium is another mineral we tend to consume insufficiently. Our levels are lower during menstruation because of hormonal activity. Magnesium is helpful for skin health in menopause and can reduce unwanted side effects like sleep deprivation and depression. Even though some of my sources recommend specific brands for the above, I am reluctant to direct readers towards anything theyre not certain they lack. It is safer and more efficient to get some bloodwork done, keep detailed notes on symptoms, and ask your doctor lots of questions.

I am not reluctant to share that I am unconvinced collagen supplements for the skin are worth trying and am concerned that this trend is costly and under-researched. I also worry that relying on these supplements may have women denying themselves the more rounded benefits they can get other ways. Helping your collagen thrive through dietary and lifestyle changes, HRT (if you want it) and perhaps some supplements recommended by your GP has more solid, independent research behind it and will have many additional benefits for your body and overall wellbeing. Mother Nature is no feminist.

It isnt fair that we lose collagen at a different rate to men in mid-life and feel more judged socially for it but when it comes to your health, as Ivana Trump tells the First Wives Club: Dont get mad, get everything.

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