One of the most recent scientific breakthroughs in the study of human longevity and anti aging has been at our fingertips all along: Resveratrol. According to research, resveratrol may have the ability to prevent aging-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Resveratrol also has the potential to increase lifespan, energy and endurance, memory, muscle growth and even the health of your hair. The benefits of resveratrol have been reported by prominent sources such as 60 Minutes (May 2009), Men’s Health magazine (February 2009), and Oprah.

Resveratrol is a compound found naturally in grapes and grape products, such as grape juice and red wine. The benefits of the antioxidants in red wine, taken in moderation, is nothing new- but it looks like the presence of resveratrol, not simply antioxidants, is what scientists have really been looking for.

Research done by scientists such as Sirtris founder Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard indicates that resveratrol activates the Sirt1 gene, also called the "survival gene", which supports your mitochondria, your cells' power sources. Laboratory animal studies indicate that healthy mitochondria, mitochondria boosted by resveratrol, have the potential to not only increase one's daily energy and endurance, but also have the potential to increase lifespans by 20 to 30 percent. Studies show that activated Sirt1 genes seem to prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and other aging-related and potentially fatal diseases.

In order to see the benefits of resveratrol, it seems that resveratrol supplements are the easiest way to get the amount of resveratrol you would need. In fact, in order to get the beneficial amount of resveratrol naturally, you would need to drink almost 1,000 bottles of red wine each day! Reseveratrol supplements do not require a prescription and are now available and easily obtainable in online stores.