“Along with other vitamins, “ my No. 1 son wrote, “I’ve been taking this stuff for 6 months.” The electronic-mail message with resveratrol in the subject box surprised me. “Thought you may find the ‘science’ behind it interesting, “ he added, “being a big proponent of wine consumption as you are.” His conclusion was very to my liking: “Its health effects evidently go down to the genetic level!” I responded enthusiastically. “I’ve known about the stuff, but I never subscribed to it,” I started. “The truth is that I I’ve always been repelled by its name,” I added. In fact, I find it absolutely appalling. “Anyhow,” I concluded, “my advice is that you also stick to red wine. Good stuff all around.” The only problem with the life-prolonging antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes is that one would need to drink a barrel of wine a day. Perhaps I should follow my son and try my luck with the chemical, too. This goes down to the genetic level, as well.

Addendum (August 28, 2012)

Well, I ended up acting fast on my No. 1 son’s casual advice. Soon after I responded to his message, I went to the closest pharmacy and bought resveratrol. I could hardly pronounce it, but I was understood in no time. The pills I got cost a mint, but they seem to be rather popular even in the Croatian capital. Everyone wants to live as long as possible, I guess. One way or another, now I have another pill to take every single day. As my parents lived quite long, I am sure to stick around for a long, long time. And this goes down to the genetic level for sure.