We all know that a glass of red wine is appealing enough, but imagine if drinking it produced the same benefits of eating a low-calorie diet?

Oh, and it was also like doing some exercise.

That’s essentially what a recent study concluded. Scientists have discovered that the compound found in the skin of red grapes and red wines has many of the neuroprotective benefits of a low-calorie diet and exercise.

Resveratrol preserves the fibers in the muscles as people age and can also protect the connections between neurons from the effects of aging. In the study, two-year-old mice were treated with resveratrol for a year. Scientists paid close attention to the mechanics and synapses that are essential for voluntary movement. Scientists learned that giving resveratrol to mice had the same effect as diet and exercise, which helps protect these neuromuscular junction synapses from the wear and tear. As we age, these motor skills, balance and tend to slow down — even if we don’t entirely notice.

Resveratrol content isn’t high in most wine, but this study provides another amazing benefit of drinking wine. And there’s nothing quite like opening a bottle of Mt. Vernon wine with family and friends and raising a toast to the good life, good company and good health.

You can read the details on the study here.