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In Smokers, Red Wine May Prevent Lung Cancer
October 13, 2008 01:45 PM
A new study suggests drinking red wine can prevent lung cancer in people who smoke, supplementing recent research linking red wine compounds to additional health benefits.
Red Wine's Latest Benefit
Reuters reports that red wine could reduce lung cancer risk, particularly among current and ex-smokers, according to new research. Along with his colleagues, Dr. Chun Chao of Kaiser Permanente Southern California in Pasadena found that those "who had ever smoked and who drank at least a glass of red wine daily were 60 percent" less likely to get lung cancer "than ever-smokers who didn't drink alcohol." White wine did not reduce risk, which suggests that the compounds in red wine, rather than "the healthier lifestyle associated with wine drinking," were protective against lung cancer.
The report supports previous studies, which found that moderate consumption of red wine, already known to promote health, may be even more effective in extending the human lifespan than previously believed. The compound resveratrol, an ingredient in some red wines, was found to activate protein agents called “sirtuins,” which preserve and protect tissues in the human body.
The report supports previous studies, which found that moderate consumption of red wine, already known to promote health, may be even more effective in extending the human lifespan than previously believed. The compound resveratrol, an ingredient in some red wines, was found to activate protein agents called “sirtuins,” which preserve and protect tissues in the human body.
Resveratrol and flavonoids, which are "believed to provide much of red wine's benefits," are also present in grape juice. Varieties produced from dark purple and red Concord grapes have higher levels of the helpful compounds, according to a Sept. 2008 article in The New York Times.
Background: Isolating wine’s longevity factor and testing it on mice
According to the Boston Globe, in Nov. 2007, scientists at Sirtris Pharmaceuticals said they’d created a drug that mimicked resveratrol, but was “1,000 times more potent … and could lead to solutions for diseases of aging, including cancer and diabetes.” Resveratrol contains an immune system–boosting enzyme called SRT1, which has the ability to extend the lifespans of various organisms.
Source: Boston Globe
David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School biologist and cofounder of Sirtris, has theorized that activating SRT1 results in the same effects as calorie-restrictive diets, which have been shown to thwart disease and enhance longevity in invertebrates and mammals.
Source: Technology Review
Related Topics: Longevity studies tout various diets; the ‘French paradox’
Researchers originally began studying the so-called Mediterranean diet due to the high life-expectancy rates and low incidence of chronic disease among people eating traditional foods associated with Greece and Southern Italy. The diet emphasizes fish over red meat and includes liberal amounts of olive oil, grains, fruits and vegetables. The diet, long believed to lower risk of heart disease, has recently been linked to prevention of type 2 diabetes. But researchers are unsure exactly why the diet is effective. Some believe olive oil is the essential component, while others stress the benefits of reducing red meat intake.
Source: findingDulcinea
The restricted-calorie diet is also believed to slow the aging process and reduce disease risk. By limiting calories, while still maintaining a balance of nutrients, the diet results in lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose.
Source: MSNBC
In April 2008, Science Daily reported results from preclinical research showing that the development of pancreatic lesions that lead to cancer was “sharply reduced” by a restricted-calorie diet. Analysis of the results points to the protein IGF-1, which is known to stimulate cancer cell growth, and decreases under restricted caloric intake.
Source: Science Daily
The Guardian examines the French Paradox, “the riddle” of how the French are able to drink alcohol and devour cheese and pastries and still stay slim, while “health-obsessed Americans” struggle with obesity and heart disease. Despite a higher fat intake on the part of French diners, a study showed that Americans’ overall caloric intake was higher, leading to substantial weight differences over time.
Source: The Guardian
Reference: Drink to your health with red wine
The Mayo Clinic examines the health benefits of red wine, including how alcohol may help the heart, a comparison of red and white wine health benefits, and background information on resveratrol.
Source: Mayo Clinic
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