Red wine good for longevity in mice

A compound in red wine and grapes can extend the life span of obese mice and help them enjoy a healthier old age, according to scientists at Harvard Medical School and reported in Nature.

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 the same effect in studies on yeast, flies and worms. But the scientists say their research is the first to show it works in mammals.

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.

Researchers already know that restricting calories can prolong life in mice and other organisms.

Resveratrol seems to mimic the beneficial effects of eating less without the hassle of dieting, due to the SIRT1 gene, which is thought to be linked to life span extension.