by Terrence Aym

Created on: January 08, 2011

The world's wine drinkers now have something new to toast: each sip may be bringing them extended youthfulness.

Although past research has already proved that wine can have the noticeable effect of drying the skin (leading to an increased possibility of facial wrinkles and fine lines), new information about the so-called "French Paradox" has been revealed that supports the belief that red wine helps keep people youthful-looking.

The French Paradox has confounded some scientists attempting to resolve the seemingly contradictory evidence that a population that consumes high amounts of bad fat and dangerous cholesterol can nevertheless remain comparatively healthy.

What do the French consume in high quantities that most other cultures do not? Wine…specifically dark red wine.

Therefore, researchers specifically zeroed in on the hidden properties of the much lauded fermented grape.

Over recent years scientific research has targeted wine, seeking the elusive answers that lie behind the frustrating paradox.

An array of powerful health benefits

What that delving into the hidden mysteries of red wine has brought to light are a variety of surprising health benefits including an array of powerful antioxidants that are known to combat cardiovascular disease, fight diabetes, moderate blood pressure...even reduce the chance of contracting Alzheimers and certain cancers.

With the cornucopia of benefits that have already been identified, some researchers, including a team at the National Institutes of Health, turned their focus on the effects red wine might have on skin. They quickly discovered that a substance known as "resveratrol"—a natural polyphenol antioxidant—is contained in grapes seeds and skins.

Resveratrol can reverse the aging of skin

What is significant about this discovery is that resveratrol has been shown to reduce acne, improve skin appearance and elasticity, fight free radicals that age the skin and even fend off cancerous skin lesions.

The effect of resveratrol in red wine is so strong that some skin care specialists—including dermatologists—have begun advocating that women consider adding a glass of red wine to their daily diet. For men, they recommend two glasses. 

The skin care experts contend adding the red wine—rich in resveratrol—will help to improve the overall health of the skin, reverse more noticeable imperfections that occur from aging, fight against dermatological damage and discoloring, improve the complexion, and turn back the clock affecting facial aging. 

Critics of the research caution that the risks associated with drinking too much alcohol far outweigh the potential benefits.

Perhaps, but try to convince 62 million French men and women of that.

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