Anti-Aging Effects of Resveratrol in Red Wine Improve Quality of Life

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FRIDAY, July 4, (News Locale) - Further evidence showing benefitsof red wine emerged on Thursday as researchers revealed a compoundfound in red wine may be able to protect the heart by exertinganti-aging effects.
The study on middle-aged mice homed in on the compound calledresveratrol. While mice fed on resveratrol did not live longer thantheir counterparts that were not given the compound, they did enjoyhealthier lives.

The mice in the study were divided into two groups with one groupbeing fed a high-calorie diet supplemented with resveratrol whilethe other group got a high-calorie diet without the compound.Researchers report in the journal Cell Metabolism the former groupoutlived the latter group.

Lead authors David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School and Rafael deCabo of the National Institute of Aging said that resveratrolappeared to extend healthy living rather than just prolonginglifespan.

Resveratrol is a natural constituent of grapes, pomegranates, redwine and other foods and is known to have a widespread influence ongenes that control aging and also protect the heart.

Polyphenols like resveratrol are thought to be important nutrientsfor human health especially in combating oxidative stress, which isa leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Dietary sources ofpolyphenols include apples, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe,cherries, cranberries, grapes, pears, plums, raspberries,strawberries, broccoli, cabbage, celery, onion and parsley.

Resveratrol is also found in red wine, chocolate and green tea.

While news of the potency of resveratrol as an anti-aging agent isencouraging, consumers must note the study was on mice and onactual people. So binging on red wine may have to wait till humantrials provide substantial results.