I remember a time not too
long ago when cancer was not part of my
life. No one in my immediate family had
cancer. None of my friends had cancer.
Perhaps it's simply a function of getting
older, but within the past few years cancer
has become an insidious part of life,
affecting just about everyone I know.
Thanks to The French Paradox, wine and
heart health has become fairly common
knowledge. But what about wine and cancer?
Any connection? Any benefits? In short,
yes.
One recent study on laboratory mice indicated
that resveratol, a substance found in
red wine, grapes, and other foods, may
prevent cancer by inhibiting the enzymes
that can stimulate cancer-cell growth
and suppress immune response.
As previously discussed in the Wine Skinny,
certain components found in wine are thought
to help ward off heart disease (see The
French Paradox). Likewise, a 1996
study on laboratory mice by UC Davis indicates
those same same antioxidant components
may help delay the onset of cancer. Learn
more about the study in UC
Davis News.
More than the actual chemistry of wine,
a wine lifestyle may be beneficial in
combating cancer. That is, as indicated
in a Danish cancer study, wine drinkers
tend to eat more nutritious foods like
fish, fruits, and vegetables cooked in
olive oil. And, because they generally
prefer to sit down to meals, wine drinkers
are more likely to avoid fast foods (no
driving down the road with a glass of
Zin in one hand and a double cheeseburger
in the other).
It's important to keep in mind, of course,
that other studies have linked daily alcohol
intake with an increased risk of breast
cancer. As with almost everything in life,
moderation is the key.
What does it mean to subscribe to the
Wine Skinny? Well, it's free! And along
with updates on new issues (so you'll
know when the next Wine & Health is
on the virtual newsstand), we're also
working on special discounts, and more.
As they say, there is strength in numbers,
so subscribe
today!
Send your Wine & Health ideas, thoughts,
and suggestions to editor@wineskinny.com.
