Lift that wine glass and say a toast to your health.
The wine inside the glass, afterall, is good for you.
By Justin J. Miller

Most people know that a glass of wine is lovely with a great meal and after a long, hard day at the office (or with the kids) the perfect way to unwind is with a glass of your favorite wine. But many may not realize that the resveratrol, a natural substance found in red wine, can help lead to a healthier and longer life.

Dr. Joseph Maroon, a neurosurgeon and Vice Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine, recently published The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life (Atria Books, 2009). "After years of studies, we have found that certain things including resveratrol have the ability to activate our longevity genes," he said.

White wine lovers should take note as well. Dr. Maroon said that while red wine contains higher levels of resveratrol, "White wine also has some medicine benefits," he said.

Dr. Maroon, the neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and an active triathlon competitor also provide his diet plan and other advice for a longer, healthier life in his book.

The book and the study, of course, don't give a license to drink unlimited amounts of alcohol. "Men should drink no more than two glasses of wine a day, and women should only drink one glass. Of course, there are some people who shouldn't drink alcohol at all," said Dr. Maroon.

For more information about the book and Dr. Maroon, visit www.josephmarron.com

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