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Friday Quiz: Wine and Alzheimers   (February 24, 2006)


Q. Could a moderate intake of red wine cut the risk of contracting Alzheimers?

A. Evidence suggests yes. According to a report in Scientific American, Wine Compound Attacks Alzheimer's Agent:
A chemical compound in wine reduces levels of a harmful molecule linked to Alzheimer's disease. In a recent study, resveratrol--one of several antioxidants found in wine--helped human cells break down the molecule, which contributes to the lesions found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Fortunately for teetotalers, the compound is also found elsewhere. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol occurring in abundance in several plants, including grapes, berries and peanuts.
The same compound may also prolong life, as described in another article from Scientific American: Grape Compound Prolongs Life, Fish Study Concludes. It seems the Greeks and Romans may have been on to something.

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copyright © 2006 Charles Hugh Smith. All rights reserved in all media.

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