Drinking
red wine and cooking with olive oil may help us to live longer,
say scientists.
They
have found that key ingredients in both substances can significantly
increase the lifespan of yeast.
Since yeast and humans share many genes, scientists have speculated
they may have the same effect in people.
The findings
provide more evidence to suggest that the Mediterranean diet
may be the secret to living a long and healthy life.
Key molecule
The scientists, from Harvard Medical School and Biomol research
laboratory in Philadelphia, have identified resveratrol as
the key ingredient in red wine.
This molecule is abundant in red wine. It gives red wine its
anti-cancer and anti-heart disease properties.
It is early days but we consider this to be a really striking
breakthrough --- Dr Konrad Howitz
They have found that this molecule can influence genes that
have been linked to lifespan in yeast.
The found that quercetin, which is abundant in olive oil,
has a similar effect.
In particular, they affect those genes that have been shown
to extend life as a result of a calorie-restricted diet by
enabling cells to live longer.
In the case of resveratrol it was found to extend the life
of some yeast cells by as much as 70%.
Previous studies have suggested that severe calorie restriction
can increase the lifespan of organisms like yeast, fruit flies,
worms and rats.
Scientists are trying to develop drugs that could have a similar
impact on humans. The discovery that resveratrol and quercetin
can increase the lifespan in yeast could boost those efforts.
"It is early days but we consider this to be a really striking
breakthrough," Dr Konrad Howitz, one of the authors of the
study, told BBC News Online.
"It certainly brings us closer to being able to intervene
pharmacologically in humans to extend longevity."
The scientists found that resveratrol could increase the lifespan
of yeast cells in a variety of doses.
However, similar tests on human cells showed that dosage is
important.
"A very broad range of doses were very effective in yeast.
However, it was different with human cells.
"There appeared to be a very narrow range at the low end.
If doses were too high they appeared to have the opposite
effect," said Dr Howitz.
The scientists are planning similar tests on other species,
including mice, to see if the molecules can extend their life.
"I think it highlights the potential health benefits of the
Mediterranean diet," he said.
The study is published in the journal Nature.
Figures from the European Union show that people living in
Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy can expect to
live longer on average than people in other countries.
Average life expectancy in Spain is 75 for men and 83 for
women. This compares to the UK, where men can expect to live
until they are 75 but women can expect to live to 80.
In the US, average life expectancy is 74 for men and 80 for
women.
They
have found that key ingredients in both substances can significantly
increase the lifespan of yeast. 
