talbotlucas.org: a word to the wise is sufficient

Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say...I love what those grapes do to me!

Today's New York Times includes an article about the potentially life-extending properties of some forms of red wine, describing the startling preliminary studies of the effects of the compound resveratrol. The amount of resveratrol is supposedly higher (10x higher) in red wines because of the manufacturing process (perhaps the longer contact with the skins?) and the compound mimics the effects of caloric reduction. Scientists believe this might explain what's become known as the "French Paradox," or the ability to consume higher calorie, higher fat foods without suffering the same levels of heart disease often tied to such consumption.

Terrence was pleased (though perhaps a little dismayed) to learn that my cholesterol levels are in good shape (136 in last month's blood test) despite the rate at which I consume butter and creme fraiche. In this respect I like to follow Julia Child's approach. When asked how she stayed trim, despite her rich diet, she replied, "I don't eat so much butter and cream -- just enough!"

Nice to have such good gastronomic news on a Sunday morning. And so nice to know that raising a glass with our meals may truly be a toast to our future.