Pittsburgh, December 30, 2008 – Joseph Maroon, MD, Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh and noted health and sports medicine expert, has just released a book that examines how the natural substances found in red wine can lead to a healthier and longer life.
The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life is "a groundbreaking examination of new scientific research that holds the secret to weight loss, increased strength, endurance, memory, and a healthier, longer life," according to publisher Atria Books, a division of Simon & Shuster, Inc.
"In The Longevity Factor, noted neuroscientist and surgeon Joseph Maroon, MD, offers the definitive look at recent scientific breakthroughs identifying a group of natural substances -- including the much-publicized molecule resveratrol -- that can actually activate a specific set of genes in humans that promote a longer, healthier life. These substances, which make red wine, dark chocolate, and green tea good for us, appear to stave off a wide array of age-related diseases and keep us feeling young and vital.
"Resveratrol is the centerpiece of headline-making research being conducted at the Harvard Medical School and elsewhere. Only recently, however, have scientists discovered how to isolate resveratrol and concentrate it into an affordable and safe supplement. Already, more than 200 supplements featuring resveratrol have flooded the market, and there are countless more on the way. But which ones work best? What is a consumer to look for on the label? Since resveratrol is a natural substance, can you get enough of it through diet alone, or should you combine diet with a supplement? And what lies on the horizon from the pharmaceutical industry? All those questions and many more are answered in this immensely informative and practical book.
"Joseph Maroon offers the first-ever inside look at the amazing research that has led to the discovery of resveratrol and similar substances with the miraculous ability to activate our own longevity genes. He also offers his own diet plan and sound, reader-friendly advice for living a longer, healthier, and more balanced life with or without supplements. The Longevity Factor promises to be the authoritative source for everyone who wants to know more about how we can shift from the current paradigm of aging to a disease-free golden age of health, longevity, and fitness."
The Longevity Factor is the second book authored by Dr. Maroon in recent years. In 2006, he co-authored Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory with Jeff Bost. The book takes a detailed look at the health effectiveness of fish oil supplements.
Dr. Maroon is a noted health and fitness expert. In October, the 69-year-old team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers, finished 19th in his age group in the grueling Hawaiian Ford Ironman World Championship. He had previously competed in five other Ironman events and over 60 triathlons.