Drink Wine, Eat Chocolate, Be Happy
If you love a piece of chocolate now and then and prefer to wind down at the end of the day with a glass of red wine, you’ll love this bit of news: recent studies have found a compound in dark chocolate and red wine that quickly revitalizes old, tired cells. What does this mean for your skin? It means that there’s a probable link between these common indulgences and maintaining a beautiful, youthful complexion.
Why Our Skin Ages
Over time, our DNA strands begin to lose what are called telomere—a sort of end cap that protects the strands from breaking down. As we age, the telomeres shorten and limit our cells’ ability to reproduce. Since our skin cells reproduce more often, they are especially affected by the shortening of telomeres, resulting in the thinning of the epidermis and the appearance of physical signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
The Research
Studies conducted at Exeter and Brighton Universities built on to previous findings that showed how as we age, genes called ‘splicing factors’ start shutting off, slowing down and eventually inactivating aging cells. Researchers applied resveratrol analogues—chemicals based on a naturally found substance in red wine and dark chocolate—to cultured cells.
The Results
Within just a few short hours, the older cells in culture began to divide and the telomeres lengthen, restoring some features of youth to the aged cells as the splicing features were ‘switched’ back on. Similar results were seen when the experiment was repeated multiple times. Lead researcher Eva Lattore said that watching the old cells become rejuvenated was “like magic” and that she is “very excited by the implications and potential for this research.”
Possible Anti-Aging Breakthrough
So, what does this mean for skin care? The idea that red wine and dark chocolate are actually good for your complexion has been floating around in the beauty world for a while, but this research confirms that they in fact may be key ingredients in the recipe for more youthful looking skin. With this breakthrough comes the anticipation of incorporating this revitalizing compound into anti-aging routines.
A Step in a Healthy Direction
Researchers showed great enthusiasm for the experiment and its implications on improving overall health. Professor Harries, a lead researcher on the project, called it “a first step in trying to make people live normal life spans, but with health for their entire life.”
Eat, Drink and be Beautiful
Along with their potential to bring old cells back to life and restore skin to its naturally youthful state, dark chocolate and red wine are both high in flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants that help protect your skin from environmental stress and damaging free radicals. With all of these benefits, along with the potential to keep your skin looking great as you age, you can feel good about adding a glass of red and a bit of chocolate to your diet.
Want more good stuff? Check out more natural, powerful ways to improve your complexion!
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