MUDGE’s Musings
As faithful reader no doubt recalls, health issues are always taken quite seriously here in this nanocorner of the ‘Sphere©. Indeed, we have devoted quite a number of posts to health topics, most recently here (you might also be interested in this recent post; it contains an ambitious link table that lists many previous stories).
Yr (justifiably) humble svt is hardly a serious drinker. Beer, especially in its American incarnation, is boring and bloating. Don’t frequent taverns, even the gigantic outdoor ones called ballparks and football stadia. Spirits with an adult taste, like Scotch, are an acquired taste I’ve never bothered to acquire. Whiskeys that can be masked with sweet ingredients have on a few, thankfully long ago occasions, led to public displays of an embarrassing nature.
Oh, through the years, I have relished a good glass or two of wine at a decent restaurant, but I have not made a study of wine, nor do I maintain a pretension toward oenophilia. When wine is consumed, I’m Goldilocks: not too sweet, not too dry: just right.
But, like any serious imbiber (of popular media, at least), I’ve long heard of the purported health effects of red wine. A glass of red wine daily is supposed to help with cholesterol levels, and mitigate other common conditions of middle age, even to constrain the aging process. This is news usually taken, not with a grain of salt (salt! the devil!), but with our usual, curmudgeonly skepticism:
Something that can be expensive, and that can easily get careless consumers drunk is good for you? Nice try, Napa and Sonoma!
Au contraire, mes amis! ( <– French reference for my really serious oenophile readers.)
New Hints Seen That Red Wine May Slow Aging
Research | By NICHOLAS WADE | Published: June 4, 2008
Red wine may be much more potent than was thought in extending human lifespan, researchers say in a new report that is likely to give impetus to the rapidly growing search for longevity drugs.
Sirtris is seeking to develop drugs that activate protein agents known in people as sirtuins.
Who would have thought that there’s some serious science behind this red wine thing?
[Please click the link below for the complete article — but then please come on back!]
New Hints Seen That Red Wine May Slow Aging – NYTimes.com
It would seem like science has a long way to go before the research is commercialized, but GlaxoSmithkline has just purchased the company that has pioneered this research for over $700million. I would say that beneath the smoke is a serious blaze.
So, early this year, MUDGE decided to join the red wine bandwagon. The trouble is, they don’t sell wine in single serving bottles (in my neighborhood!) or cans. And once you uncork (natural or plastic) a 750ml bottle, the remaining wine deteriorates rapidly.
Everything old is new again, and technology has returned the wine box to the marketplace. In this case, technology has improved the box by providing a relatively oxygen-free plastic bag within it, with a dispensing valve that not only is leak-free, but maintains the seal.
A five-liter box lasts me several weeks, drinking one four or five ounce glass per evening.
And costs about $13 at my local wine merchant — er, grocery/drug supermarket.
A gourmet I’m not. A oenophile I am not (after this public admission, I’d be tossed from the guild!). It’s not the smoothest pour I’ve ever enjoyed, but it’s far from the worst.
Does red wine have longevity benefits? Even with the dollar in the toilet, 31¢ per night seems like a safe investment in the concept.
It’s it for now. Thanks,
—MUDGE
Left-handed Complement 
Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!