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Want to live longer and avoid those memory-robbing diseases of old age? Drink red wine! At least that’s what some recent medical research suggests.
According to a study reported in the journal Nature, researchers have discovered that certain plant compounds called polyphenols may have promising health benefits, particularly when it comes to preventing age-related ills such as cancer, clogged arteries and Alzheimer’s disease. One of these compounds, resveratrol, occurs abundantly in red wine, peanuts and grapes.
Previous studies have shown that consuming red wine can block a chemical known to be a key factor in heart disease. This finding apparently explains the “French paradox” – why the French, who often drink red wine with meals, appear to have a lower risk of heart disease than the British, despite eating similar amounts of saturated fat.
Now, scientists say, resveratrol may also be one of the substances that can affect age-regulating genes.
What’s the explanation?
Researchers already had evidence that caloric restriction can extend the life span of cells. In the new study, resveratrol was shown to replicate the benefits of restricted calories on cell longevity by activating certain enzymes called sirtuins, which help repair cells and enable them to live longer. Scientists suspect that sirtuins occur in an organism as a response to environmental stress.
The study showed that compounds in resveratrol prolonged the life span of yeast by as much as 80 percent. Researchers also reported that preliminary experiments in flies and worms were encouraging as well. Next up – mouse studies, followed by testing in humans. (No word yet on how to apply for the research group that will be imbibing red wine).
The challenge for scientists will be to develop a treatment that can “trick” the human body into thinking it’s under attack (the stress factor), which should then trigger the beneficial effects of the sirtuins.
The bottom line
With more evidence pointing to the health benefits of resveratrol, medical professionals are cautiously sanctioning the consumption of red wine. In fact, another study cited in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that a little red wine can help keep pancreatic cancer at bay. So if you’re going to drink alcohol, a glass of red wine probably won’t hurt and may just help you enjoy a longer - and healthier - life.
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