A new study of mice suggests that massive amounts of red wine extract slow the aging process, even when a high-fat, seemingly unhealthy diet is consumed.
The study by U.S. researchers indicates that the extract, known as resveratrol, lowers the rate of diabetes, liver problems and other fat-related illnesses in mice.
Lead study author David Sinclair says that when the mice were given physical skills tests, the fat older mice taking the extract performed as well as lean young mice did.
These results were similar to those of reduced-calorie diets, which have been found to slow the aging process in animals and people. Sinclair says the extract seems to provide the same benefit without the hunger pangs that come with cutting calories.
But scientists say it is too early to test the substance on people. They say the amount of extract given to the mice would equal hundreds of glasses of red wine a day for humans.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.