Live longer with resveratrol: there's no magic wand for completely preventing aging or common diseases such as diabetes, but resveratrol supplements may be the next best thing.(SHOP SMART: SUPPLEMENTS)

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THE BASICS: Resveratrol (pronounced res-vair-uh-traul) is an antioxidant found in small amounts in purple grapes, red wine, blueberries, and other fruits. What distinguishes it from all other antioxidants is its ability to promote health or longevity in a wide range of animals, from microscopic worms to human beings. In animal studies, resveratrol increases life expectancy--even when animals eat a junk food diet. It also appears to have some benefits in regulating blood sugar and reducing the risk of heart disease.

ALIAS: Resveratrol is a polyphenolic antioxidant, part of a large family of related chemicals found in the skin of fruits. Research originally focused on resveratrol extracted from red wine, but most resveratrol supplements now come from lapanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum).

HOW RESVERATROL WORKS: Resveratrol increases the activity of SIRT1, a key gene involved in longevity in numerous species, including humans. By boosting SIRT1 activity, resveratrol has many collateral benefits in reducing the risk of age-related diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Unfortunately, almost all of the research has been done in test tubes, and with yeast, worms, fruit flies, fish, and mice--not people. That said, the single human study with resveratrol found promising benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS: Resveratrol seems to benefit several age-related health problems.

* Antiaging. In studies conducted at Harvard University, mice getting supplemental resveratrol had higher activity of the SIRT1 gene. They also had lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-l, considered a risk factor for cancer. The mice also lived about 15 percent longer (the equivalent of 11 human years) compared with mice that were not fed resveratrol. Even with advancing age, the mice maintained physical activity and coordination more like that of younger mice. The benefits were all the more striking because the mice were red the equivalent of a junk food diet.

* Diabetes. The Harvard University researchers also found that mice eating a high-calorie diet and taking resveratrol did not develop diabetes; however, animals not getting the antioxidant did develop the disease. In a small study of men with type 2 diabetes, resveratrol supplements reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved insulin function. Diabetes is known to accelerate the aging process. A second study using resveratrol to treat people with diabetes is under way.