Cheers to red wine, this time for cancer

Seema Singh — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:12:00 GMT

Time, once again, to celebrate that wonder molecule in red wine called resveratrol. New research in today's issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention shows that moderate consumption of red wine may decrease the risk of lung cancer in men, particularly among smokers.

Lead author Chun Chao analyzed data collected through the California Men's Health Study from 84,170 men aged 45 to 69 years. Researchers measured the effect of beer, red wine, white wine and liquor consumption on the risk of lung cancer.

After making adjustments for age, race/ethnicity, education, income, body mass index, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema, and smoking history, researchers reported a 60 % reduced lung cancer risk in these men.

You might have read several such reports in recent times on health benefits of red wine. But to add some rigour to readability, I dug into scientific literature. Here's what I found:

* In September, a study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine reported that resveratrol, the natural antioxidant commonly found in red wine, may offer protection against radiation exposure when used with acetyl. The group studies small molecules that have radioprotective properties and which can be easily stored, transported and administered. "Currently there are no drugs on the market that protect against or counteract radiation exposure. Our goal is to develop treatments for the general population that are effective and non-toxic," said researchers.

* In July, a new report in Cell Metabolism showed that red wine ingredient wards off effects of age on heart, bones, eyes and muscle. Of course the study was on mice, which began taking resveratrol in midlife and yet showed cardiovascular benefits, greater motor coordination, reduced cataracts and better bone density. These benefits come without necessarily extending the animals' lifespan.

* In June, The Journal of Neuroscience reported the potential new role of red grape seeds in treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In the same month, researchers presented a new study at the 90^th annual meeting of The Endocrine Society's in San Francisco showing that resveratrol reduces the number of fat cells and may one day be used to treat or prevent obesity.

The list goes on -- multiple sclerosis, depression, strokes...

It's great news - both for medical science and wine drinkers. If I remember correctly the US FDA has even suggested the dosage -- one full glass/day for men, half of that for women. But mind you, the thing to remember is moderation!

Disclaimer: The wine glass photo is free & randomly picked from the web (to add colour to the blog), with no intended brand marketing.

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Lab Rats : depression

Cheers to red wine, this time for cancer