You may have noticed that the mainstream medical establishment and I sometimes disagree on some of the biggest issues regarding your health.
Well, more than sometimes – we disagree often!
For example, the conventional “wisdom” of the medical establishment holds that cardio and aerobics programs are what you need for optimal health. But for years, I’ve argued that heart attacks don’t happen because of a lack of endurance training.
So I developed a high-intensity, low-volume workout program called PACE that gives you bigger benefits in less time.
And today, there’s overwhelming evidence that PACE‘s approach is healthier, safer, and more effective than cardio or aerobics.
For years, the medical establishment has told you to avoid sun-exposure at all costs. In Your Best Health Under the Sun, I revealed that sun exposure is critical to your good health. In fact, the sun is your top source of vitamin D.
Today, mainstream medicine is wringing its hands over widespread vitamin D deficiency and the return of related diseases, like rickets.
I’m not telling you all of this to brag. But the medical establishment and I disagree on some pretty big issues.
But not always… and that’s what happened with a particular antioxidant I’ve been studying for the last few years.
It seems that mainstream medicine and I have found ourselves in perfect harmony this time.
This antioxidant is similar to resveratrol, the anti-aging compound found in wine, grape skin and peanuts – but even more powerful.
I’m talking about pterostilbene (pronounced terro-STILL-bean) and your body absorbs it more easily than resveratrol.
It’s one of the biggest anti-aging breakthroughs I’ve seen.
And the U.S. Department of Agriculture agrees. They report that this antioxidant shows powerful anti-aging potential, including defense against heart disease and cancer.1
Pterostilbene is found in many of the same foods as resveratrol. Many different berries contain pterostilbene, too, which is why blueberries are a superfood.
Among pterostilbene’s many health-giving properties…
- Anti-inflammatory – In test-tube studies, pterostilbene blocks the production of a protein linked to hardening of the arteries, cancer, and heart disease;
- Anti-microbial – Plants use pterostilbene as a defense against invading microbes. Some researchers believe it may be up to 10-times more potent than resveratrol;
- Antioxidant – Pterostilbene has a similar effect against free radicals as resveratrol. But it’s more “mobile,” making it more effective against localized inflammation.2
Spanish researchers have also discovered pterostilbene blocks the production of body fat. This could cut your risk of diabetes. It also boosts the burning of fat stores in animal models.3
Other animal studies found pterostilbene boosts memory and cognition. It may also help defend against Alzheimer’s disease.4
At the same time, pterostilbene also helps protect your skin from damage. Studies have shown that pterostilbene blocks the growth and spread of skin-cancer cells.5
While, pterostilbene is found in several foods – especially berries – quantities are small. That’s why I recommend taking it in supplement form. It is available at most health food stores and online.
I recommend about 25 mg a day, but you could take as much as 100 mg.
For the greatest anti-aging benefit, take it along with resveratrol. The two work far better together than separately.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
1. “Pterostilbene’s Healthy Potential,” U.S. Department of Agriculture. Apr 20, 2011.
2. “Pterostilbene Monograph,”Alternative Medicine Review. 2010; 15(2): 159-163.
3. “Pterostilbene, a molecule similar to Res, as a potential treatment for obesity,” Phys.org. Oct 30, 2014.
4. McCormack, D. and McFadden, D., “A Review of Pterostilbene Antioxidant Activity and Disease Modification,” Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2013; 2013: 575482.
5. Schneider, J.G., et al, “Effects of pterostilbene on melanoma alone and in synergy with inositol hexaphosphate,” Am J Surg. Nov 2009; 198(5): 679-684.