Red wine, often known as a classy accompaniment to dinner, could lead to a longer life.

Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and the skin of grapes, may have similar effects to ‘a severely restricted diet, which has been shown to extend the life of mice,” according to the New York Times.

Judy Trumpy, registered dietitian with Thielen Student Health Center, said resveratrol is generally known to prevent the build-up of red blood cells in the artery walls.

“The resveratrol [compound] has an antioxidant capacity and it prevents or it helps to prevent the red blood cells from sticking to the artery wall,” Trumpy said.

According to the Times, there is little research extending these effects directly to humans. The result, then, is that researchers can’t suggest a specific amount necessary to be consumed in order to gain these benefits.

Trumpy said the possibility red wine could prolong your life is “looked at as another magic bullet.”

She said it’s just another study that will continue to be researched.

“My whole thing from a generalist’s point of view is eating a well-rounded diet so that you get some of that in all areas,” Trumpy said. “We don’t really have the key to life ever-lasting.”

Stewart Burger, adjunct lecturer of hotel, restaurant and institution management, said he doesn’t talk about the supposed health benefits of red wine in his introduction to beverages courses but does discuss recognizing the safety of people who are drinking at bars and restaurants.

Burger said drinking red wine to gain any health benefits must be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle.

“I would never encourage people who don’t drink to start drinking red wine just for perceived health benefits,” Burger said.

Christen Lacey, senior in elementary education, said she enjoys wine and drinks it on a weekly basis.

“I think [wine] it’s really pretty and I really like going to wineries,” Lacey said. “I like that experience.”

Although the health benefits are nice, Lacey said the perceived benefits are not the reason she drinks red wine.

Lacey said she enjoys local wineries and went to a couple while she was in France.

“I went to a few when I was in France, and I really like Prairie Moon [Windery and Vineyards, 3801 W. 190th St.] and White Oak [Vineyards, in Cambridge],” Lacey said.

Although local wineries are her favorite place to purchase wine, Lacey said she also likes to go to some wine stores around the Cedar Rapids area, as well as to Hy-Vee.

Lacey said she mostly drinks wine with her friends but also enjoys social events at the wineries.

“I drink it often with meals but also as a social thing — going to the events at the wineries,” Lacey said.