A new study shows a compound in red wine improves cell functioning and longevity.

Red wine has long been a controversial libation (and not because of cabernet versus malbec battles). Scientists have gone back and forth over the years about red wine's benefits; specifically whether or not resveratrol, a plant compound found in the drink, has anti-aging powers.

But a recent study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found resveratrol does prolong lifespan, overturning a 2010 National Institute of Aging report.

Researchers at the National Institute of Health and the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research found that resveratrols anti-aging properties are only expressed when a specific gene, SIRT1, is present, i09 reports. Mice bred without the SIRT1 gene were not affected by the compound. But The Los Angeles Times reports:

The discovery may speed up the use of resveratrol in an anti-aging drug; previous attempts were cut short because of the 2010 NIA report. Well drink to that -- and to these nine other anti-aging strategies.

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