A new study shows a compound in red wine improves cell functioning and longevity.
Red wine has long been a controversial libation (and not because of cabernet versus malbec battles). Scientists have gone back and forth over the years about red wine's benefits; specifically whether or not resveratrol, a plant compound found in the drink, has anti-aging powers.
But a recent study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found resveratrol does “prolong lifespan,” overturning a 2010 National Institute of Aging report.
Researchers at the National Institute of Health and the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research found that resveratrol’s anti-aging properties are only expressed when a specific gene, SIRT1, is present, i09 reports. Mice bred without the SIRT1 gene were not affected by the compound. But The Los Angeles Times reports:
"...those that had the gene responded to Resveratrol with improved vascular and metabolic function, reduced inflammation and overall, cells that use fuel and clean up waste more efficiently."
The discovery may speed up the use of resveratrol in an anti-aging drug; previous attempts were cut short because of the 2010 NIA report. We’ll drink to that -- and to these nine other anti-aging strategies.
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Source: www.huffingtonpost.com
