The researchers divided the mice into two groups. They gave the mice in one group a small, single dose of resveratrol. Two hours later they induced an ischaemic stroke in both groups, (when blood supply to the brain is cut off).

The mice that had been given resveratrol suffered significantly less brain damage than those that hadn’t. Sylvain Doré, an associate professor of anaesthesiology and critical care medicine and pharmacology and molecular sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, lead the research. He says the study suggests that resveratrol increases levels of an enzyme, heme oxygenase, that is already known to shield nerve cells in the brain from damage.

“Our study adds to evidence that resveratrol can potentially build brain resistance to ischaemic stroke,” says Doré. This doesn’t mean that you should start downing resveratrol supplements. In fact Sylvain Doré cautions against it, as the evidence so far is unclear on whether these supplements could do harm or good.

Although resveratrol comes from red grapes, it may be that the alcohol in red wine is needed to concentrate the amounts of the compound. But that doesn’t mean that you should open another bottle of red wine. No-one knows yet how much resveratrol you need to give the best protection to the brain. And we don’t yet know which kind of red wine to choose, as different types of red wine contain different amounts of this compound.

In the end, the amount of resveratrol you need to protect your brain from stroke could be quite small. “Resveratrol itself may not be shielding brain cells from free radical damage directly. Instead resveratrol and its metabolites may be prompting the cells to defend themselves,” says Doré.

“It’s not likely that brain cells can have high enough local levels of resveratrol to be protective,” he says. The resveratrol is needed to jump-start this protective enzymatic system that is already present within the cells. “Even a small amount may be sufficient,” Doré says. (The research is ongoing, so we can expect further news on this subject. Doré is also testing the effects of giving resveratrol to mice after a stroke. This work is also in it early stages, but so far results suggest that it may be beneficial.)

However tempting, don’t over-do it. Too much booze will still be bad for your health. “We know that small amounts of alcohol seem to help protect against ischaemic strokes, which is a clot in the brain,” says Andrea Lane, spokesperson for The Stroke Association. “Alcohol may help to thin the blood and reduce the risk of clots forming. However, even small amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of haemorrhagic stroke, which is a bleed.”

“We recommend that people drink alcohol in moderation. This is 2-3 units a day for women and 3-4 units a day for men. Making lifestyle changes such as eating healthily, taking regular exercise and quitting smoking can all help to reduce your risk of stroke.”

The figures above are the Government’s lower risk drinking guidelines. This means what it says, they are lower, but not necessarily low risk. “It’s certainly not a recommendation that you drink this much every day,” says Thérèse Lyras, spokesperson for Alcohol Concern. “Everyone is different, we all have varying tolerance, and even a small amount of alcohol can contain an element of risk.”

The study, conducted by researchers from Cleveland Clinic”s Lerner Research Institute, also indicated that the PTEN tumor-suppressing gene contributes to resveratrol”s anti-tumor effects in this treatment combination.

Charis Eng, Chair of the Genomic Medicine Institute of Cleveland Clinic”s Lerner Research Institute, led her team to study the effect of combining resveratrol, a chemopreventive drug found in many natural compounds, with rapamycin on breast cancer cells.

The research demonstrated an additive effect between these two drugs on breast cancer cell signaling and growth.

“Rapamycin has been used in clinical trials as a cancer treatment. Unfortunately, after a while, the cancer cells develop resistance to rapamycin,” Eng said.

“Our findings show that resveratrol seems to mitigate rapamycin-induced drug resistance in breast cancers, at least in the laboratory. If these observations hold true in the clinic setting, then enjoying a glass of red wine or eating a bowl of boiled peanuts – which has a higher resveratrol content than red wine – before rapamycin treatment for cancer might be a prudent approach.”

Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation, has been considered for the use of anti-tumor activity against breast cancer.

Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol that is found in the skin of red grapes and is a constituent of red wine, and has been considered for multiple uses regarding cellular therapies.

Despite the potential for tumor suppression, rapamycin”s efficacy with respect to growth inhibition differs markedly among various breast cancer cell lines. The effect of resveratrol and rapamycin, alone and in combination, on cell growth of three human breast cancer cell lines was assessed.

Rapamycin, resveratrol, and combinations of these agents inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In all three cell lines tested, the presence of low concentrations of resveratrol and rapamycin was sufficient

to induce 50 percent growth inhibition.

Although relatively early, these observations may suggest resveratrol as a powerful integrative medicine adjunct to traditional chemotherapy.

The study has been published in Cancer Letters.

1. Reducing coronary heart diseases: the wine is altering the blood lipid levels. It lowers the total cholesterol count, and raises the high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This is supported by epidemiological studies: the polyphenols may be involved in this cardioprotective effect because of their antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, resulting in decreased generation of oxidized lipids. The tested red wine extracts (cabernet-sauvignon grape variety) elicited enhanced NO generation, cyclic GMP accumulation and endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aortic rings. Both anthocyanins and oligomeric condensed tannins appeared to be involved. Among the anthocyanins, delphinidin, but not malvidin or cyanidin, produced endothelial NO-dependent vasorelaxation (aka: it smooths the muscles of the blood vessels), indicating that only some specific structures are able to cause endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, independently of their antioxidant properties. To achieve this effect, extracellular Ca2+ (=calcium ion) is needed for activation (of endothelial NO synthase activation). Summarizing: their findings suggest that one of the mechanisms of the cardioprotective effects of red wine and other plants containing polyphenols may be the increase in endothelial NO production induced by oligomeric condensed tannins and anthocyanins.

2. Red wine maintains the immune system: According to a study published by the University of Florida, red wine does not suppress the immune system like other alcoholic beverages. A two month study on mice has been performed to examine what immune system reactions red wine caused on mammals. The team examined mice of various drinking levels – non-drinkers, red wine drinkers, and heavy alcohol drinkers. They found that those who drank the red wine had a normal level of immunity, the same as that of the non-drinking mice. (The level of red wine consumption for the mice would equal that of a human drinking two or three glasses a night. But at the moment of writing (2001) they don’t have a clue which compounds in red wine is causing this, but I’d go for the tannins.

3. Polyphenols in wine: like the tannin mentioned above, do have a positive effect on your body as well: they are excellent antioxidants. In short: they lower total cholesterol and blood pressure, lessen risks of cancer, stimulate the immune system, and have anti-bacterial properties. See the above mentioned aspects for more detail.

4. Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene): is a naturally occurring antioxidant too that decreases the stickiness of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible. It is said that it inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response. A series of laboratory experiments suggests the proof of this statement. However, this was only tested on animals. In another set of animal tests, resveratrol was shown to inhibit both the acute and chronic phases of inflammation (yet again the immune system). Wine is the primary dietary source of resveratrol, and red wine contains much greater amounts of resveratrol than does white wine, since resveratrol is concentrated in the grape skin and the manufacturing process of red wine includes prolonged contact with grape skins. Resveratrol has been used in connection with atherosclerosis too (a reduced risk of course).
Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen (= similar to estrogen, but from plant origin, and is known to inhibit tumors in the breast and uterus), but it differs from other phytoestrogens in that it acts as an estrogen agonist and stimulates ERE-driven reporter gene activity in CHO-K1 cells (I couldn’t get access to ERE gene information, nor the exact description of CHO-K1 cells, but the context of the abstract implies increased DNA transcription activity of specific ERE-gene sequences in genetically modified(?) cells in rat uteri).
A brief calculation: a glass of red wine provides approximately 640 mcg of resveratrol, while a handful of peanuts provides about 73 mcg. The amount used in animals to prevent cancer, however, would exceed 500 mg per human adult. This equals about 2.5 bottles of wine… So there must be at least one other component, or a mixture, that contributes to the decrease in occurrence of cancer and high blood pressure prevention.

5. Flavonoids: Red grapes contain flavonoids, also powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives.

6. Anti-bacterial activity: In a study of 1800 people, scientists tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcer infections. Compared to non-drinkers, those who had one glass of wine a day had 7% fewer of these bacteria. Those who drink two glasses a day had 18%, and those who drank 3 or more glasses had 1/3 fewer bacteria. On the conto of tannins maybe?

7. Anti-stress: wine does have a calming influence (surprise, surprise). The fact that a dinner is accompanied by a drink which helps the body relax and unwind can help the mental transition between work and relaxation. Also, people fighting other illnesses can combat them better when calm and focused.

Numerous studies have suggested that moderate alcohol drinking helps to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.

The so-called “Mediterranean diet”, which includes a larger intake of wine, has been credited with lower rates of heart disease in those countries, despite a higher intake of saturated fats.

However, there is no clear evidence that red wine is any better than any other alcoholic drink.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1719675.stm

The 20-year study reveals men and women who drink moderately are more likely to outlive those who are teetotal or drink heavily.

And despite current health advice to have no more than two drinks a night, the experts found that having three tipples does no harm. Worst off are non-drinkers – who are 51 per cent more likely to die before moderate drinkers.

This compares to heavy drinkers, whose risk of dying is 45 per cent higher than moderate boozers, the University of Texas experts found.

The study, to be published in the November issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, has excited experts because it took into account lifestyles of those quizzed. Up until now, experts have suggested people who don’t drink have a higher risk of mortality because they are reformed alcoholics who have already done long-term damage.

But the latest study of 1,800 men and women, aged between 55 and 65, excluded former problem drinkers.

It also took into account other habits that might affect lifespan, such as ­obesity and smoking and class. The International Scientific Forum on SDHpAlcohol Research said: “These are quite remarkable effects on the risk of mortality, and are larger than those associated with most drugs.

“The paper provides information that may be especially important for physicians, who tend to be very ­cautious when giving advice to patients regarding alcohol consumption.” However, authors of this latest study warned it is too early for celebration.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/198158/Health-Three-glasses-of-alcohol-a-day-will-help-you-live-longer

Researchers from the University of Texas, Austin, found the health benefits of drinking among older adults are intrinsically linked to moderation.

The study, due to appear in the journal, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, looked at data from 1,824 adults between the ages of 55 and 65. They were all former of current drinkers over the past 20 years.

They discovered that the heavy drinkers had a 42 per cent higher risk of dying in a 20 year follow up compared to moderate drinkers. Amazingly teetotalers had a 49 per cent higher mortality risk.

The scientists said this was because many of those who abstained from alcohol in the study sample were former problem drinkers. They were also more likely than moderate drinkers to have health problems due to lack of exercise and smoking.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1307408/Make-large-Moderate-drinkers-live-longer-teetollers-finds-study.html

This is because those who enjoyed three glasses of wine a day tended to take more exercise, have a higher social status and suffer from less stress, according to researchers.

A Team from the Public Assistance Hospitals of Paris studied almost 150,000 people and found those who enjoyed low or moderate intake of alcohol were fitter than those who never touched a drop or drank to excess.

The participants – 97,406 men and 52,367 women – were split into five groups including no alcohol consumption, low alcohol consumption (less than one glass a day), moderate drinkers (between one and three glasses a day), heavy drinkers (more than three glasses) and former drinkers who now abstained.

The analysis showed those who drank moderately were more likely to have lower cardiovascular disease risk, heart rate, stress, depression and body mass index.

They also scored higher on health measures such as respiratory function and physical activity.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1279589/Drinkers-half-bottle-wine-daily-HEALTHIER-teetotallers.html

A study found that resveratrol, the ‘wonder ingredient’ in red wine already credited with abilities from extending life to burning off junk food, can minimise the harm done by a stroke.

Mice given the compound, which is found in the seeds and skins of red grapes, while still healthy suffered significantly less brain damage when later having a stroke than ‘tee-total’ rodents.

The research, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, suggests that resveratrol increases levels of a protective enzyme called heme oxygenase.

When the stroke hits, the enzyme swings into action, shielding oxygen-starved cells from death.

Researcher Dr Sylvain Dore believes that even small amounts of resveratrol, which is also found in raspberries, blueberries, cranberries and peanuts, could be protective.

But until other studies work out how much is enough, he advises against stocking up on supplements.

And the stroke experts point out that while alcohol can protect against one kind of stroke, even small amounts may raise the risk of the other.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1268080/Red-wine-protect-brain-stroke-damage.html

There are widespread rumours that certain types of alcohol, like red wine, can help to protect against cancer.

And when it comes to the negative side of drinking, most people think of hangovers or liver problems.

But in reality, the consequences of drinking too much alcohol go well beyond the evening’s embarrassing antics or the morning’s hangover.

Alcohol is actually one of the most important causes of cancer. Decades of solid evidence have shown us that it can cause seven types of cancer, including breast, bowel, mouth and liver cancers.

It’s estimated to account for around 15,000 cases of cancer in the UK every year. You can find out more about the science linking alcohol to cancer in Cancer Research UK’s blog.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/162331/Drinking-alcohol-does-not-protect-against-cancer

A study has shown that moderate women drinkers put on less weight than those who stick to soft drinks – and those who drank red wine put on the least weight. The findings by Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston suggest drinkers turn the calories into heat, not fat.

Here we look at the other surprising ways in which alcohol – when taken in moderation – may benefit your body. Men should not exceed three to four units a day and women should not exceed two to three units a day.

RED WINE

BENEFITS: Fights cancer, raises good cholesterol, boosts brain power, helps insomnia and protects against hearing and tooth decay.

The health benefits of red wine are down to resveratrol, a plant chemical in the skins and pips of grapes. Salicylate, an antioxidant in red wine, can help to prevent deafness by protecting the tiny hairs in the inner ear that are vital for hearing.

It can also sharpen your wits, says Dr Clinton Wright, professor of neurology at Columbia University, New York, who found moderate red wine drinkers score higher in mental agility tests than teetotallers. A team of U.S. researchers discovered that chemicals in the seeds and skins of grapes blocked the ability of corrosive bacteria to bind with tooth enamel, protecting teeth from decay.

Red wine can also help insomnia, according to the University of Milan. Grape skins contain melatonin, a hormone that keeps body clocks in check and induces sleep.

BEER

BENEFITS: Contains vitamins and minerals needed to protect the heart and bones, plus fibre.

A pint of ale contains more than a quarter of an adult’s recommended daily dose of vitamin B folate, which stops the build-up of homocysteine, linked to heart attacks.

Beer also contains boron, another trace mineral needed to maintain healthy bones. A pint supplies a tenth of the recommended daily allowance of niacin, which is needed to help release energy from food, as well as 10 per cent of an adult’s daily fibre needs.

A pint a day reduces the risk of kidney stones by up to 40 per cent because beer is low in calcium and high in magnesium – key factors in avoiding stone formation.

Like red wine, one beer a day cuts the risk of heart disease and strokes, thanks to its antioxidants.

But does it give you a beer belly? Martin Bobak, an epidemiologist at University College London, compared 2,000 beer drinkers with non- drinkers. There was little difference in their waist-hip ratios.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1256471/Why-glass-day-WILL-doctor-away-.html

Studies suggest that people who drink wine with an alcohol content of 10% rather than 14% might benefit, says the World Cancer Research Fund.

The charity called for more low-alcohol wines and beers to be available for sale.

An industry expert said UK consumers were asking for “lighter” wines.

The calculation was based on figures in a 2007 report which looked at the evidence for a link between alcohol consumption and cancer.

That report recommended that men should have no more than two drinks a day, and women no more than one.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8462044.stm

The findings have prompted doctors to advise against drinking alcohol while attempting to conceive in addition to the duration of pregnancy.

Researchers found partners who both knock back at least six units of alcohol a week reduced the odds of having a child by 26 per cent.

Six units of alcohol is the equivalent of two strong pints of beer or two large glasses of wine.

While women who consumed that amount of alcohol slashed their chances of conceiving by 18 per cent and men cut the odds by 14 per cent.

Scientists from Harvard Medical School in the US surveyed 2,574 couples on their drinking tastes and habits before they embarked on a course of IVF.

More than half of women in the group and 34 per cent of men had a weekly drink while four per cent of women and five per cent of men admitted to a daily tipple.

The effects of white wine for women and beer for men were particularly strong.

Females who enjoy a small glass of wine each week were 24 per cent less likely to have a live birth and increased the likelihood of a failed embryo implantation by almost a quarter.

But men weren’t off the hook. A daily pint resulted in a 30 per cent less chance of a live birth and a 38 per cent threat of failed implantation.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/135407/Glass-of-wine-cuts-IVF-success