Component in Red Wine May Increase Lifespan

Studies with mice seem to indicate that a component in red wine my increase the lifespan of obese mice.

Red wine molecule helps mice live longer

“A compound found in red wine and grapes can extend the lifespan of obese mice and help them enjoy a healthier old age, scientists said on Wednesday. The molecule known as resveratrol not only enabled the mice to live longer than other overweight rodents, it also reduced the negative health effects of eating a high-calorie diet. Resveratrol has been shown to have same effect in studies on yeast, flies and worms but the scientists said their research is the first to show it works in mammals. ‘It is possible to find a molecule that activates the body’s natural defenses against aging. You can use it to enhance the health of a mouse or mammal. That is unprecedented,’ said David Sinclair, of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. He added that the study, reported in the journal Nature, is proof of the principle that it works in mammals. But the real test will be to develop formulations or find other molecules to treat age-related illnesses such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancer in humans. ‘The goal here is within the next few years to know it is possible to treat diseases in man,’ he told Reuters.”