The Wine Fountain of Youth?
A new study reports that a compound found in red wine may protect against the effects of aging in mammals. In the study, overfed mice that were given the compound resveratrol did not experience many of the ill effects of obesity, including early death. The compound was found to activate a group of genes involved in reducing the effects of aging. To get the equivalent of the levels of resveratrol that the mice received in this study, one would need to consume about 100 glasses of red wine per day. That’s only 20 bottles. Are you up for the longevity challenge?
For a slightly safer (but less fun) approach, the compound is also available as a supplement. The researchers warn that consuming resveratrol at the levels used in this study has not been shown to be safe for humans, but a few of them also admitted that they are tempted to start taking the supplement themselves. I personally find the whole idea difficult to argue with. If wining and dining are the key to longevity, how much better could life get? Just throw in a bikini and some skinny pills, and I’m there till 2100. (Disclaimer: I am clearly not a health professional.)
Mac said,
November 3, 2006 @ 11:27 pm
Fortunately, you can get your reservatrol from red grape juice too. Drinking 100 glasses a day of grape juice is much more achievable than 100 glasses of wine.
If you must drink wine, I advise no more than 10 glasses a day of wine, accompanied by 90 glasses of grape juice.
nizome said,
November 8, 2006 @ 1:01 pm
Grape juice makes me nauseous.
monkey said,
November 8, 2006 @ 1:04 pm
Better stick to wine then!
Or perhaps alternating between the wine and the supplement would be the way to go…