On TRAC with DrMark

UF study says wine is fruitful for one's health

Here's an alcoholic beverage UF can get behind: red wine.

Drinking red wine in moderation can lead to health benefits, according to a recent UF study.

Heather Hausenblas, UF associate professor at the College of Health and Human Performance and one of the study's three researchers, said the research reviewed past and present human clinical studies on a polyphenol compound named resveratrol, which is found in large amounts in red wine.

The year-long review concluded resveratrol could improve health.

"It appears to have antioxidant effects as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetics," she said.

Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which damage cells and can play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases, according to the National Institute of Health.

Organic red grapes will also contain more of this compound compared to non-organic, Hausenblas said, since organic fruits are not artificially protected.

Charles Sims, UF professor in the food science and human nutrition department, said the compounds that give health benefits, such as antioxidants, are concentrated in the skin of red grapes.

Sims, however, advises those who drink red wine to do so in moderation.

"If you are drinking two to three glasses a day, that's usually the reasonable amount to give you the health benefits without consuming too much alcohol," he said.

This comes to us from:

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_a3db4cb0-b744-11e0-b650-001cc4c03286.html

Resveratrol May Reverse Cognitive Decline Associated with Diabetes

Diabetes-associated brain damage was reversed in rats treated with the red-wine compound

A team of cellular biologists are suggesting that red wine may help reverse some of the symptoms of cognitive decline in diabetics.

Published June 10 in the American Journal of Physiology, the study by scientists from Louisiana State University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center reported that diabetic rats that consumed the red-wine compound resveratrol experienced a restoration in brain function. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound that is abundant in red wine, has in the past been linked to reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, as well as numerous other health benefits.

The risk of stroke and other brain disorders is higher in diabetics, regardless of type. Resveratrol is known to act as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, the study states, which are associated with better circulation and a lower risk of cognitive decline. However, no previous studies explore whether resveratrol may potentially reduce risks associated with diabetes through its ability to regulate cerebral blood flow.

After several weeks of testing the circulation in the rats, before and after introducing resveratrol, the brains were harvested and examined. Brain tissue in diabetic rats treated with resveratrol showed that some of the brain damage associated with diabetes actually reversed after exposure to the red-wine compound.

"We speculate that resveratrol may be a potential therapeutic treatment for the prevention of cerebrovascular dysfunction during diabetes," the study states, concluding that there are three new findings to the research.

The first being that reservatrol appears to relax the arteries in the brain. In the case of rats with diabetes, without the resveratrol, blood vessels were comparatively more restricted.

Also, oxygen levels normalized in the diabetes-afflicted rats which consumed resveratrol, bolstering the assertion that the red-wine compound works as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

The third conclusion was that "resveratrol can decrease blood glucose concentration very modestly, less than 5 percent to 10 percent [in diabetic rats]," said Mayhan. "The mechanism is not known. We saw a small decrease in blood glucose concentration, but not enough to account for the effects of resveratrol."

Nonetheless, by controlling heavy levels of oxygen and keeping blood flowing to the brain, resveratrol may help control the stress factors that can lead to strokes in diabetics, the study speculated. However, the reactions of the diabetic brain to resveratrol may not be limited to the three factors observed, the scientists wrote.

There could, in fact, be much more going on that science has not yet discovered, and further study is necessary, as "it was beyond the scope of the present study to examine all such possibilities," the text read.

This article may be found at: 

http://www.winespectator.com/webfeature/show/id/45392 

 

Polyphenols Lower Blood Pressure and Reduce Cardiovascular Risks

Adults aged 55 and older face a lifetime risk of developing elevated blood pressure greater than 90%, accounting for more than 40 million doctor visits each year and taxing an already overburdened health care system.  

Uncontrolled blood pressure slowly degrades the vascular system throughout the body and takes a particular toll on the kidneys, eyes and delicate arteries around the heart and in the brain.  Small increases in blood pressure place an individual at dramatically increased risk from heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and blindness. Researchers focusing on the antioxidant capacity of grape seed, resveratrol and pomegranate found that regular consumption of these foods can effectively reduce blood pressure without the need for dangerous prescription drugs.

Oxidative Stress is a Key Factor in Developing Hypertension Oxidative stress is a significant factor leading to accelerated damage from hypertension.  Excess stress prompts changes to the hormone angiotensin that is known to impact blood pressure through an intricate mechanism of vessel and arterial constriction.  Natural agents that can lower dangerous levels of cellular oxidative stress are considered paramount to lowering blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)-inhibitors are among the most popular prescription medications prescribed to negate the effect of the angiotensin hormone, and create a life of misery for many due to the myriad of side effects inherent with this class of drug.  Recent research shows that artificially lowering blood pressure with drugs has virtually no effect on cardiovascular disease risk, compared to lowering readings with natural fruit polyphenols, diet and physical activity.

Grape Seed Extract and Resveratrol Lower Blood Pressure Reading 5 to 7% Writing in the journal, Metabolism, nutritional scientists compared the effect of grape seed extract and resveratrol on subjects with metabolic syndrome.  Three groups were divided to receive either grape seed extract (GSE) at a dose of 150 mg per day, GSE at 300 mg per day or a placebo.  After 4 weeks, both GSE supplemented groups experienced systolic blood pressure drops of 5 to 7 percent.  This change was considered significant as no other dietary or lifestyle interventions were followed.  Researchers believe that GSE and grape-derived compounds including resveratrol can be used to prevent and treat hypertension based on the potent antioxidant load delivered by the fruit extracts.

Pomegranate Lowers Blood Pressure Better Than Dangerous Drugs Pomegranates effectively lower blower blood pressure in a manner similar to GSE and resveratrol as the juice and extracts contain powerful polyphenols that counteract oxidative stress.  This magical fruit also is found to lower circulating levels of the angiotensin hormone that can help blood vessels to relax.  The result of a study published in the journal Atherosclerosis demonstrated that consumption of pomegranate juice (50 ml per day for 2 weeks) lowered ACE activity by 36%, leading to a 5% drop in systolic blood pressure.
It should come as no surprise to those following a natural health lifestyle that the key to controlling blood pressure and reducing the risk factors that promote cardiovascular disease are not found in a prescription bottle.  Fruits such as the pomegranate and formulated natural extracts from red grape skins and seeds deliver powerful health benefits without any of the associated side effects of synthesized pharmaceuticals.

References:
http://journals.lww.com/cardiovascularpharm/Abstract/2009/12000/Grapes,_Wines,_Resveratrol,_and_Heart_Health.2.aspx http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19608210 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11500191 

Chemical tested to aid concussion healing

U.S. researchers are recruiting professional boxers and trainers to study if red wine and grape compounds help reduce concussion damage.

Principal investigator Dr. Joshua Gatson, assistant professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says two dozen professional boxers will take the neuroprotective compound resveratrol after a fight to see if it helps restore subtle brain function and connections via its antioxidant effects.

"We know from animal studies that if we give the drug immediately after or soon after a brain injury, it can dramatically and significantly reduce the damage you see long term," Gatson says in a statement. "There haven't been any completed human studies yet, so this is really the first look at resveratrol's effect on traumatic brain injury."

However, even though resveratrol is found in red wine, 50 glasses of wine would be needed for the required dose to get the protection needed, Gatson says.

The researchers are administering the required oral dose once a day for seven days. Pro boxers will take a supplement form of resveratrol within 2 hours of their match, Gatson says.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/05/29/Chemical-tested-to-aid-concussion-healing/UPI-46711306649089/#ixzz1NkwnF1v7

 

It's wine to the rescue in the war on cancer

Japan's nuclear power disaster focuses attention on dangers of radiation. Wine rushes to the rescue.

Many studies indicate moderate amounts of red wine help reduce effects of radiation exposure. The key ingredient is antioxidant resveratrol, found in red wine. Findings have meaning for people undergoing radiation treatment and people exposed to radiation in the workplace or through industrial accidents such as the Japanese crisis.

Resveratrol appears to provide these benefits:

* Makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy by hampering proteins that resist treatment.

* Injures energy source of cancer cells and decreases their ability to function.

* Triggers cancer cell death. (Woohoo!)

In some patients undergoing radiation therapy, skin toxicity effects of radiation were reduced up to 75 percent with moderate red wine consumption. Studies showed especially encouraging results for women undergoing treatments for breast cancer.

Other studies show antioxidants in red wine actually destroy cancer cells. Resveratrol appears to target cancer cells energy sources, making it a further ally in a radiation treatment regimen.

An Italian researcher noted: "If wine can prevent radiation-induced toxicity, it also has the potential to enhance the therapeutic benefit."

All well and good, but there are caveats. Studies are promising, not conclusive, and they don't invite a "bottle-a-day kills cancer, yea-hey" mantra.

One head of research cautioned: "In the case of women undergoing breast cancer radiotherapy, we're talking one glass of wine a day, thus a very low dose."

This article may be found at:

http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2011/may/10/its-wine-tothe-rescuein-the-war-on-cancer/

Red Wine Cardiovascular Benefits, Antioxidants and Flavonoids

Studies have shown that the flavonoids found in dry red wines affect the heart by decreasing the bad cholesterol and boosting the good cholesterol. Flavonoids also reduces blood clotting and may even help lipid panels. Drinking one 4 ounce glass a day for women, and up to two a day for men, is the recommend serving.

But red wine doesn’t only just help your heart. Scientists are looking in to the affects of the antioxidants found in red wine and how they may inhibit tumor growth in some cancers. There is also hope that red wine will be helpful in treating conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. More research needs to be done, however, and one should always consume alcohol in moderation.

This article may be found at:

http://www.adi-news.com/red-wine-cardiovascular-benefits-antioxidants-and-flavonoids/210711/

Red wine and chocolate can boost your brain power

It's the perfect excuse to have that extra glass of red wine and spoonful of chocolate dessert - research has shown that ingredients in both might make you brainier.

Studies have shown that polyphenols which is found in both wine and chocolate could boost your brain power Photo: ALAMY

By Richard Alleyne, Science Correspondent in Glasgow

 

Two studies have shown that polyphenols in both wine and chocolate increase the blood flow and oxygen to the brain that in turn could boost its power - especially in the elderly.

And the researchers believe that taking them together could be even more effective.

The team at Northumbria University first tested the effects of wine.

They set around 75 volunteers a series of maths tests before giving them a pill of the polyphenol resveratrol found in wine or a dummy tablet.

A scan to the brain showed that they had "significantly higher" blood flow to the brain after they had the resveratrol pill.

 

Wine offers beauty benefits beyond the glass

 A glass of wine at happy hour or during a romantic dinner has certain mood-lifting benefits - that's long been known. But in recent years, more and more studies have shown that when wine grapes are crushed, more than meal-pairing magic happens.

Antioxidants in red wine do all kinds of helpful things for the body - like protecting your heart and boosting "good" cholesterol levels. But it turns out that crushed grapes not only offer healthy benefits inside, but skin beautifying benefits outside.

"Wine has high antioxidant levels due to the polyphenols included," says Carolyn Wente, CEO of California's Wente Vineyards, the country's oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery. "A wine country secret is that those antioxidants act as protectors against skin deterioration, defending it against damage."

While the French were exploring the idea of "vinotherapy" a while ago, it's now making headlines across the world - and showing up in shops and spas closer to home. Profiles in media outlets like The Today Show and luxury publications like Departures magazine and Spafinder.com are touting vinotherapy treatments like crushed-grape seed scrubs, soaks in cabernet wine baths and honey-wine wraps as the next great anti-aging spa solutions.

After a skin-abusing winter of dry air and cold winds, your skin could benefit from a sip of wine as much as you could. If you want to get in on the trend, there are plenty of ways to do so. And as word about vinotherapy spreads, cosmetic and skin care companies are now including crushed grapes, grape seeds and even grapevine stems in their offerings. Products like Tone Vino Moisture Body Wash with Crushed Grape and Shea Butter, make the vinotherapy trend more accessible. It offers the antioxidant power of crushed grapes, which leverages collagen-depleting free radicals - one of the major causes of signs of aging in your skin - right at home in your shower.

Incorporating wine into your beauty routine can now go beyond having a glass of wine with your bubble bath. With healthy anti-aging, skin-smoothing and moisturizing properties, it's no surprise that grape-based skin care is becoming the next big thing in the beauty world.

This comes to us from: 

http://www.kpvi.com/feed.php?id=17053&storyid=8056040101 

 

Chocolate and beer can be healthy

“Guilty pleasure” foods offer surprising health benefits, including preventing disease, stroke

Who reading this loves chocolate? I myself am definitely one of chocolate's bigger fans. This sweet indulgence is one of the world's most popular treats, and, according to "Candy Facts" on thechocolatestore.com, Americans consume 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate every year.

The good news is, eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day has been shown to make you a healthier person. According to Mark Stibich in the April 26, 2009, article "Health Benefits of Chocolate" on longevity.about.com, eating dark chocolate has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure and lower the level of LDL, which is the bad cholesterol found in the body.

Dark chocolate is so effective, in fact, that it can lower LDL cholesterol 10 percent, which is a substantial reduction. There are other foods that help lower this type of heart-congesting fat, such as beans, garlic and soy-based products. But would you rather have a dark chocolate candy bar or an organic soy and garlic burger?

Some people might be concerned with the fat content in chocolate, but according to Stibich's article, the fat found in dark chocolate is one-third oleic acid, which is a healthy fat found in other foods, like olive oil. Another third is stearic acid, which has a neutral effect on cholesterol. The only unhealthy fat dark in chocolate is palmitic acid, which accounts for the rest of the total fat content.

What is a great way to unwind after a long day? What about a nice glass of wine or a cold beer? Many people probably do not realize that drinking wine and beer both have health benefits that are good for your body. This does not mean that you can kill an entire bottle of Boone's Farm or split a 30-pack with your friends and still be doing something good for yourself, but there are more benefits to imbibing than meets the untrained, sober eye.

Wine has been around for thousands of years and has been a major influence in many parts of history. Most people our age are drinking wine because it gets them drunk, not because it has high levels of antioxidants that reduce the risk of disease, aging and degenerative conditions. According to Joy Bauer in the June 6, 2008, MSNBC article, "Is Wine Good For You?" a glass of red wine has high amounts of flavanoids, which are free-radical fighting chemicals. Wine also contains something called resveratrol, which prevents plaque from forming in arteries and prevents blood clotting.

This article may be found at:

http://bgnews.com/opinion/chocolate-and-beer-can-be-healthy/

 

Compound Found In Grapes, Peanuts, Supplements Burns Fat, Experts Say

Individuals who enjoy red wine, grapes, peanuts and blueberries – or who take nutritional supplements – may have ingested it, possibly without knowing they were doing so. It's called resveratrol, and scientists are saying that the naturally occurring compound may help the body burn fat cells.

Arrate Lasa, a researcher at the University of the Basque Country, Spain, recently wrote that resveratrol appears to reduce fat stores in the human body, especially when compared to a molecule found in many meat and dairy products called conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Lasa noted that CLA did not appreciably diminish fat stores when injected into laboratory hamsters. However, resveratrol did, particularly when combined with a low-calorie diet.

Previous studies have associated moderate red wine intake with a lowered risk of heart disease. Reseveratrol has also been found to have the potential to lower blood sugar naturally. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University also states that resveratrol has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory settings.

Since most health authorities do not recommend heavy drinking, taking herbal supplements that contain resveratrol may confer all the benefits of the compound without the hangover.

This article may be found at:

http://www.betterhealthresearch.com/news/compound-found-in-grapes-peanuts-supplements-burns-fat-experts-say-800445230/