Now, there is one more very good reason to have a glass of red wine with dinner. Resveratrol, a plant compound found primarily in grapes, is being lauded as the new champion in the war against aging. It naturally occurs in plants when an injury or fungal infection develops, and its key role is to provide protection from disease, harmful substances and UV exposure. Resveratrol functions beautifully as an antioxidant and has the ability to neutralize free radicals (which attack healthy cells) and prevent ongoing oxidation and inflammation (both of which contribute to the negative aspects of aging). In fact, . . . and this is a big one . . . Reveratrol has more muscle power than Vitamins C and E. Knowing its background and attributes begs the obvious question . . . is Resveratrol an important contribution to the anti-aging process or is it another "flavor of the week" ingredient fueled by marketing hype? Scientists are focusing a great deal of attention on that question and are currently very hopeful. As with aging, only time will tell. Cheers.
