 Scientists
have just begun to discover how drinking red wine, which contains
the compound resveratrol, in moderation has contributed to controlling
disease.
Marty Mayo, assistant professor of biochemistry, stated that resveratrol
blocked the ability of an integral protein that fed it and by doing
so aided in the prevention of cancer cells. The protein responsible
for stimulating gene functions that promote cell survival is known
as nuclear factor kappa B (Nf-kB) and is located inside the nucleus
of all cells.
Mayo recommended that one glass of wine, three or four times a
week, contained the sufficient amount of resveratrol to protect
the protein from thriving cancer cells.
Mayo also cautioned against exceeding the recommended limit of
wine consumption, because doing so could increase the risk of cancer.
Facts on Resveratrol
- It’s an antioxidant found in various types of plants, including
grape skins, raspberries, mulberries and peanuts.
- In nature it functions as a preventative element to fight fungus
during the rainy season.
- In the United States it is sold over-the-counter as a nutritional
supplement.
Mayo theorized that the cancer cells resveratrol came in contact
with died as a result of a built-up sensitivity to a compound called
Tumor Nectrosis Factor alpha (TNFa).
It is also believed a process referred to as apoptosis, the self-destruction
of cancer cells, was activated by the compound resveratrol.
Other studies have revealed that resveratrol could play a role
in controlling diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart disease,
arthritis and autoimmune disorders.
Science
Blog May 26, 2004
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