Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and grape skin, may slow the effects of aging, researchers say.



Tests were conducted on mice, and the results showed longevity in life, but only if started before middle age, according to the study, which was published July 3, 2008 in the journal Cell Metabolism.



From Yahoo News, “researchers at the U.S. National Institute on Aging, Harvard University and at other international institutions found that resveratrol prevented age-related and obesity-related cardiovascular functional decline, improved the functioning of the animals' aortas, significantly reduced total cholesterol levels, decreased heart inflammation and slightly lowered tryglyceride levels.”



The study found that resveratrol had many positive effects on age-related problems in mice such as:



-Mice consuming resveratrol daily had better bone health with improved thickness, volume, mineral content and density compared to the mice that weren’t treated.



-At 30 months of age, daily resveratrol taking mice were found to have fewer cataracts.



-Mice on resveratrol had enhanced balance and coordination at 21 and 24 months.



-Mice fed a high-calorie diet along with resveratrol lived longer than the mice consuming a high-calorie diet without resveratrol. This suggested that resveratrol may improve longevity.



Researchers still have much to learn before resveratrol can be recommended for human use. Safety and biological effects in humans remain to be studied experimentally.



Wow, I can drink red wine and potentially live longer? Sign me up! Maybe resveratrol is our ticket to the fountain of youth. What do you think? Could the researchers be on to something?

Source: news.yahoo