In taking a closer look at wine and health, one might ask if wine should be considered a “functional food.” If you’re not familiar with the term, a functional food is any natural or preserved food that in some way promotes wellness and/or helps prevent disease. Functional foods typically deliver health benefits in addition to nutritive value through active ingredients such as phytochemicals─plant compounds─that offer disease-protective and/or therapeutic benefits.
Many scientific studies have indicated that moderate wine consumption helps protect against cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, lung disease, many forms of cancer, neurological diseases, and cognitive decline, among others. That’s quite a list, but the medical research is solid and comprehensive (see referenced articles on wine and these individual diseases at http://winewellnessandlongevity.blogspot.com)
By now you may know that the health benefits of wine are largely due to the phytochemicals it contains, specifically polyphenols. Polyphenols include four categories of compounds: phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, and stilbenes. Wine─particularly red wine─is a rich source of a variety of phenolics, flavonoids, and resveratrol, a class of stilbenes. In fact, did you know that a mere 4 oz. glass of wine may contain up to 200 different types of polyphenols?
These compounds work synergistically to enhance wellness and minimize your risk of a wide range of disease states, especially within the context of a healthy, produce-rich diet. Wine is a whole food, and despite many current claims, no pill purporting to contain a few of these compounds can ever deliver the collective benefits wine offers. Clearly, wine in moderation meets─and exceeds─the definition of a functional food.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Champagne: A Toast to Health
By now you know red wine is famous for many health benefits, but what about the world’s favorite celebratory elixir? Champagne─which is generally a white sparkling wine either produced in the Champagne region of France or resembling that which is produced there─has been consumed for thousands of years. Champagne is made the same way as wine, but a second fermentation process is added. This occurs when the wine stays in the bottle. A fermentation of carbon dioxide bubbles occur, giving champagne its sparkling characteristic.
It turns out that champagne has some health benefits well worth celebrating. Research suggests that this world-renowned libation may help protect the brain against neurological injuries that are obtained during a stroke, as well as the degenerative effects of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Champagne offers a protective effect against nerve injury caused by oxidation. This protection appears to be due in part to phenolics including tyrosol, caffeic acid, and gallic acid.1
Although white wine lacks the resveratrol content of red wine, it still packs a wellness punch due to the other polyphenols it contains, like tyrosol, mentioned above, and hydroxytyrosol. These compounds offer cardiovascular protection given their abilities to improve ventricular performance, reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis (programmed death of heart cells), and protect against free radical damage.2
Along with both cardiovascular and neuro-protective benefits, wine phenolics may also have anticarcinogenic (cancer prevention) effects. Although white wines have a lower phenolic content than red wines, the phenols they do contain appear to have a higher antioxidant capacity than red wine phenols.3 A votre santé!
1 Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1999;25(2-3):121-4.
2 J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Oct 22;56(20):9362-73. Epub 2008 Sep 27 9
3Arch Biochem Biophys. 2010 Mar 31. [Epub ahead of print]
It turns out that champagne has some health benefits well worth celebrating. Research suggests that this world-renowned libation may help protect the brain against neurological injuries that are obtained during a stroke, as well as the degenerative effects of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Champagne offers a protective effect against nerve injury caused by oxidation. This protection appears to be due in part to phenolics including tyrosol, caffeic acid, and gallic acid.1
Although white wine lacks the resveratrol content of red wine, it still packs a wellness punch due to the other polyphenols it contains, like tyrosol, mentioned above, and hydroxytyrosol. These compounds offer cardiovascular protection given their abilities to improve ventricular performance, reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis (programmed death of heart cells), and protect against free radical damage.2
Along with both cardiovascular and neuro-protective benefits, wine phenolics may also have anticarcinogenic (cancer prevention) effects. Although white wines have a lower phenolic content than red wines, the phenols they do contain appear to have a higher antioxidant capacity than red wine phenols.3 A votre santé!
1 Drugs Exp Clin Res. 1999;25(2-3):121-4.
2 J Agric Food Chem. 2008 Oct 22;56(20):9362-73. Epub 2008 Sep 27 9
3Arch Biochem Biophys. 2010 Mar 31. [Epub ahead of print]
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wine, Antioxidants and Wellness
Though you are no doubt familiar with the term antioxidants, learning more about them can greatly benefit you in your quest for optimal health, longevity and disease prevention. Antioxidants are compounds produced in the body and found in many foods─especially fruits and vegetables─that act within our bodies as a vital, frontline defense against the free radicals that constantly and adversely affect our cells. Did you know that during the past 20 years, more than 30,000 scientific papers have been written about antioxidants and their fight to protect your body from free radical damage?
Certainly, free-radical damage is impossible to avoid, as these dangerous molecules are produced naturally in our bodies and are further promoted by our exposure to stress, pollution, pesticides, chemicals, cigarette smoke, medications, solar radiation, and more. However, they pose an ongoing and significant threat to your health and well-being, damaging cells through the process of oxidation. In fact scientists now believe that free radicals play a role in nearly every known disease including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis, among others. Many of the processes we call "aging" are in fact manifestations of cumulative damage done by free radicals to tissue such as skin, blood vessels, and the brain.
So, how can you defend yourself? In short, the more dietary antioxidants you can consume each day, the more protection you gain against a host of diseases, including the one Americans fear most: cancer. As with all major diseases, prevention is the best medicine, and antioxidants are your allies! The key is targeting the richest dietary sources of these highly protective compounds. One guide is ORAC value─Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity units─which is a means of measuring antioxidant density developed by the National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To see a huge list of foods ranked by their ORAC values, go to http://oracvalues.com/
Where does red wine come in? In terms of ORAC value, red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon rank above apples, strawberries, cherries, broccoli, almonds─even pomegranate juice. Red wine might be justifiably called a dietary health hero based on hundreds of studies discussing wine antioxidants, as well as flavonoids like anthocyanidins, saponins and catechins, all of which have unique health promoting properties. These include preventing blood clots, disabling cholesterol from damaging blood vessel walls, and improving arterial function. And when it comes to resveratrol─wines starring antioxidant─the potential benefits are astounding. Among them, it appears that this phenolic compound affects age-regulated genes, allowing cells to live longer and offsetting the risk of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Clearly, red wine in moderation is a powerful aid to protecting and even boosting your wellness. For best results, take your cue from Mediterranean wisdom and incorporate your wine in the context of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.
Certainly, free-radical damage is impossible to avoid, as these dangerous molecules are produced naturally in our bodies and are further promoted by our exposure to stress, pollution, pesticides, chemicals, cigarette smoke, medications, solar radiation, and more. However, they pose an ongoing and significant threat to your health and well-being, damaging cells through the process of oxidation. In fact scientists now believe that free radicals play a role in nearly every known disease including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis, among others. Many of the processes we call "aging" are in fact manifestations of cumulative damage done by free radicals to tissue such as skin, blood vessels, and the brain.
So, how can you defend yourself? In short, the more dietary antioxidants you can consume each day, the more protection you gain against a host of diseases, including the one Americans fear most: cancer. As with all major diseases, prevention is the best medicine, and antioxidants are your allies! The key is targeting the richest dietary sources of these highly protective compounds. One guide is ORAC value─Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity units─which is a means of measuring antioxidant density developed by the National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To see a huge list of foods ranked by their ORAC values, go to http://oracvalues.com/
Where does red wine come in? In terms of ORAC value, red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon rank above apples, strawberries, cherries, broccoli, almonds─even pomegranate juice. Red wine might be justifiably called a dietary health hero based on hundreds of studies discussing wine antioxidants, as well as flavonoids like anthocyanidins, saponins and catechins, all of which have unique health promoting properties. These include preventing blood clots, disabling cholesterol from damaging blood vessel walls, and improving arterial function. And when it comes to resveratrol─wines starring antioxidant─the potential benefits are astounding. Among them, it appears that this phenolic compound affects age-regulated genes, allowing cells to live longer and offsetting the risk of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
Clearly, red wine in moderation is a powerful aid to protecting and even boosting your wellness. For best results, take your cue from Mediterranean wisdom and incorporate your wine in the context of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Red Wine, Women, & Weight: What You Need to Know
You might have heard about a recent study suggesting that moderate alcohol consumption may help prevent weight gain. This study in the Archives of Internal Medicine─which surveyed nearly 20,000 American women age 38 and older─is the result of careful, credible research at the renowned Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. In fact, the female subjects were followed for over 12 years before the conclusions were drawn: “Compared with nondrinkers, initially normal-weight women who consumed a light to moderate amount of alcohol gained less weight and had a lower risk of becoming overweight and/or obese during 12.9 years of follow-up.”1
It’s worth noting that although the study found "an inverse association between alcohol intake and risk of becoming overweight or obese for all four types of alcoholic beverages─red wine, white wine, beer and liquor─the strongest association was found for red wine.” The link between white wine and weight loss was “weak yet significant.” As interesting as this news is, we have to bear in mind that all alcoholic beverages are high-calorie, with a greater density at 7 calories per gram than either protein or carbs, both at 4 calories per gram. Fat still remains the highest source of calories at 9 calories per gram.
We're likely to agree that many factors played into this research. For example, women who consume red wine in moderation may also be more balanced in other areas of their lives, which would help keep weight in check. Also, many women tend to substitute alcohol for other potentially high-carb foods, whereas when men consume alcohol, they often add those calories to what they're normally eating. Additionally, women metabolize alcohol differently than men do.
The reality, as many of us know too well, is that after age 40, women are more prone to weight gain for several reasons─including changes in hormones and metabolic rate─so the more we can learn about lifestyle management choices that keep us healthy and trim, the better. Again, it’s not the good red wine alone, but the lifestyle you build around it. A votre santé!
1 Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(5):453-461
It’s worth noting that although the study found "an inverse association between alcohol intake and risk of becoming overweight or obese for all four types of alcoholic beverages─red wine, white wine, beer and liquor─the strongest association was found for red wine.” The link between white wine and weight loss was “weak yet significant.” As interesting as this news is, we have to bear in mind that all alcoholic beverages are high-calorie, with a greater density at 7 calories per gram than either protein or carbs, both at 4 calories per gram. Fat still remains the highest source of calories at 9 calories per gram.
We're likely to agree that many factors played into this research. For example, women who consume red wine in moderation may also be more balanced in other areas of their lives, which would help keep weight in check. Also, many women tend to substitute alcohol for other potentially high-carb foods, whereas when men consume alcohol, they often add those calories to what they're normally eating. Additionally, women metabolize alcohol differently than men do.
The reality, as many of us know too well, is that after age 40, women are more prone to weight gain for several reasons─including changes in hormones and metabolic rate─so the more we can learn about lifestyle management choices that keep us healthy and trim, the better. Again, it’s not the good red wine alone, but the lifestyle you build around it. A votre santé!
1 Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(5):453-461
Friday, March 5, 2010
Red Wine & Lung Health
If you’re not a smoker, you may not think much about lung health. And yet, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States today. Even non-smokers are frequently exposed to environmental toxins like air pollution from vehicle smog, cigarette smoke, allergens, and other irritants. Did you know that ongoing exposure to these harmful substances can increase your chances of developing lung cancer, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments over time? So, how can you protect yourself, besides avoiding second hand smoke and pollution in general whenever possible?
Well, you probably know that regular, vigorous aerobic exercise tones and strengthens your lungs, not to mention benefiting you in many other ways. There are also antioxidant-rich food choices that go a long way towards preventing lung health issues, which include fruits, vegetables and─believe it or not─red wine. It turns out that resveratrol─a potent antioxidant found in red wine─inhibits several types of cancer, including lung cancer. But resveratrol is not a one-man show, which is why taking a pill will never yield the exact benefits of a whole food substance like red wine. In this case, resveratrol operates in concert with its analog pterostilbene to inhibit lung cancer cell growth.1
Several studies have demonstrated a positive effect of moderate wine consumption on pulmonary (lung) health and considerable research in Scandinavia, Europe and South America has suggested a protective effect of wine consumption against lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma.2 Another study was undertaken to estimate the effect of wine consumption, both overall and by type of wine, on the risk of developing lung cancer. While a slight but significant benefit was observed with white wine consumption, red wine offered much greater protection, with each daily glass having an inverse association with the development of lung cancer.3
On another lung health note, did you know that an estimated 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease?4Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, and the current focus in managing asthma is the control of inflammation. It turns out that resveratrol has the ability to suppress some of the worst asthma symptoms, operating much like dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid drug used as a positive control. These results suggest that resveratrol may be helpful in treating bronchial asthma, among its other lung health benefits. Stay tuned for more information on red wine and asthma. Meanwhile, here’s to your (lung) health!
1 J Surg Res. 2009 Jul 21 [Epub ahead of print]
2 Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2006;117:129-45
3 Thorax. 2004 Nov;59(11):981-5
4 World Health Organization. Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases: a comprehensive approach, 2007
5 Int Immunopharmacol. 2009 Apr;9(4):418-24. Epub 2009 Feb 8
Well, you probably know that regular, vigorous aerobic exercise tones and strengthens your lungs, not to mention benefiting you in many other ways. There are also antioxidant-rich food choices that go a long way towards preventing lung health issues, which include fruits, vegetables and─believe it or not─red wine. It turns out that resveratrol─a potent antioxidant found in red wine─inhibits several types of cancer, including lung cancer. But resveratrol is not a one-man show, which is why taking a pill will never yield the exact benefits of a whole food substance like red wine. In this case, resveratrol operates in concert with its analog pterostilbene to inhibit lung cancer cell growth.1
Several studies have demonstrated a positive effect of moderate wine consumption on pulmonary (lung) health and considerable research in Scandinavia, Europe and South America has suggested a protective effect of wine consumption against lung cancer, especially adenocarcinoma.2 Another study was undertaken to estimate the effect of wine consumption, both overall and by type of wine, on the risk of developing lung cancer. While a slight but significant benefit was observed with white wine consumption, red wine offered much greater protection, with each daily glass having an inverse association with the development of lung cancer.3
On another lung health note, did you know that an estimated 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease?4Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, and the current focus in managing asthma is the control of inflammation. It turns out that resveratrol has the ability to suppress some of the worst asthma symptoms, operating much like dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid drug used as a positive control. These results suggest that resveratrol may be helpful in treating bronchial asthma, among its other lung health benefits. Stay tuned for more information on red wine and asthma. Meanwhile, here’s to your (lung) health!
1 J Surg Res. 2009 Jul 21 [Epub ahead of print]
2 Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc. 2006;117:129-45
3 Thorax. 2004 Nov;59(11):981-5
4 World Health Organization. Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases: a comprehensive approach, 2007
5 Int Immunopharmacol. 2009 Apr;9(4):418-24. Epub 2009 Feb 8
Friday, February 26, 2010
Red Wine & Cancer Prevention
Although heart disease remains the #1 one killer for Americans, there seems to be far more fear and mystery associated with cancer. It’s certainly understandable that heart disease is less daunting. Unlike cancer, it typically issues many warnings along the way, such as elevated cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, etc. And heart disease tends to be fairly reversible, even in the later stages. Cancer is quite a different story. Few would disagree that because there is no “cure” and treatment options are agonizingly expensive, that all efforts we can make towards prevention are not only valuable─they may be lifesaving.
So how can you minimize your cancer risk? Fortunately, most of the lifestyle choices that help protect you from heart disease, stroke and diabetes also cut your cancer risk. Here are 5 key actions you can take:
• Avoid tobacco, in all forms, all the time
• Reach─and maintain─a healthy body weight
• Swap the white flour items for whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal
• Boost your daily intake of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables
• Enjoy wine─especially red─in moderation
Wait, what was that last one? Yes, you read it right, though moderation is important. Too much wine─especially for women─and you may reverse the cancer-fighting benefits. So, just how does a daily glass of red wine help you defy cancer? It turns out that along with being heart-healthy, resveratrol-rich red wine exhibits specific anticancer properties, like its ability to suppress the spread of a wide range of tumor cells, including lymphoid and myeloid cancers; cancers of the breast, prostate, stomach, colon, pancreas, and thyroid; melanoma; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and ovarian and cervical carcinomas. Wow, what a list!
Apparently, resveratrol concentrates in the liver and kidneys, protecting you from the multi-step process of carcinogenesis at various stages. It blocks the activation of carcinogens as well as suppressing tumor initiation, promotion, and progression.1 The European Journal of Cancer Research chimes in, stating that wine consumption may decrease the risk of cancer at several sites including cancer of the upper digestive tract, lung, colon, basal cell carcinoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Moreover, resveratrol inhibits the metabolic activation of carcinogens, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and decreases cancer cell proliferation.2
Many studies have established that resveratrol exerts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while also regulating (in your favor) the multiple cellular events associated with cancer development─the "cancer cascade." Studies with resveratrol support its use not only for cancer prevention, but in treatment combinations as well.3
Although there is no magic bullet when it comes to protecting yourself from cancer, there is a series of daily choices that in total make a profound difference in both short term health and longevity down the line. So, embrace your wellness. A votre santé!
1 Anticancer Res. 2004 Sep-Oct;24(5A):2783-840
2 Eur J Cancer Prev. 2003 Oct;12(5):417-25
3 Curr Med Chem Anticancer Agents. 2003 Mar;3(2):77-93
So how can you minimize your cancer risk? Fortunately, most of the lifestyle choices that help protect you from heart disease, stroke and diabetes also cut your cancer risk. Here are 5 key actions you can take:
• Avoid tobacco, in all forms, all the time
• Reach─and maintain─a healthy body weight
• Swap the white flour items for whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal
• Boost your daily intake of fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables
• Enjoy wine─especially red─in moderation
Wait, what was that last one? Yes, you read it right, though moderation is important. Too much wine─especially for women─and you may reverse the cancer-fighting benefits. So, just how does a daily glass of red wine help you defy cancer? It turns out that along with being heart-healthy, resveratrol-rich red wine exhibits specific anticancer properties, like its ability to suppress the spread of a wide range of tumor cells, including lymphoid and myeloid cancers; cancers of the breast, prostate, stomach, colon, pancreas, and thyroid; melanoma; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and ovarian and cervical carcinomas. Wow, what a list!
Apparently, resveratrol concentrates in the liver and kidneys, protecting you from the multi-step process of carcinogenesis at various stages. It blocks the activation of carcinogens as well as suppressing tumor initiation, promotion, and progression.1 The European Journal of Cancer Research chimes in, stating that wine consumption may decrease the risk of cancer at several sites including cancer of the upper digestive tract, lung, colon, basal cell carcinoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Moreover, resveratrol inhibits the metabolic activation of carcinogens, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and decreases cancer cell proliferation.2
Many studies have established that resveratrol exerts anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while also regulating (in your favor) the multiple cellular events associated with cancer development─the "cancer cascade." Studies with resveratrol support its use not only for cancer prevention, but in treatment combinations as well.3
Although there is no magic bullet when it comes to protecting yourself from cancer, there is a series of daily choices that in total make a profound difference in both short term health and longevity down the line. So, embrace your wellness. A votre santé!
1 Anticancer Res. 2004 Sep-Oct;24(5A):2783-840
2 Eur J Cancer Prev. 2003 Oct;12(5):417-25
3 Curr Med Chem Anticancer Agents. 2003 Mar;3(2):77-93
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Zinfandel & Cholesterol: What’s the Connection?
You know by now that wine promotes a healthy heart, and you’re probably thinking “resveratrol.” Resveratrol certainly is the most widely recognized compound associated with the many health benefits of wine, but there are many other protective compounds that play major roles as well, including antioxidants, polyphenols, procyanidins, flavonoids, stilbenes and saponins. While these compounds have amazing benefits to offer, saponins deserve special mention when it comes to reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, according to Andrew Waterhouse, professor of Oenology at the University of California.1
Saponins, glucose-based plant compounds from the waxy skin of grapes that dissolve into the wine during its fermentation process, may rival resveratrol when it comes to promoting your health. Only here’s the beauty of it: they’re on the same team. Like resveratrol, saponins help reduce dangerous cholesterol levels, but by different means. While resveratrol appears to block cholesterol oxidation via antioxidant action, saponins work by binding to and preventing the absorption of cholesterol from food. Could this be a core piece in the French Paradox puzzle? It appears that saponins may also affect inflammatory pathways, which could also minimize your risk of heart disease and cancer (see below: Wine & Chronic Inflammation: What You Need to Know).
So what’s the Zinfandel connection? In general, Waterhouse found that while red wine contains up to 10 times the saponin levels as white wine, Zinfandel boasted the highest levels of all. Syrah had the second highest, followed by Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. With wellness in mind, you should target deeply pigmented red wines, which have typically spent the longest time in contact with their grape skins. This should be no hardship if you love rich, bold, complex reds. Also, wines with higher alcohol content are strongly linked with saponin levels, as alcohol may make the saponins more soluble in wine. In fact, the red Zinfandel Waterhouse tested was 16% alcohol. If this exciting information is news to you, it may just call for a toast with a generous glass of Zinfandel─the “saponin star.” In vino veratis!
1 American Chemical Society (2003, September 9). New Cholesterol Fighter Found In Red Wine. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 18, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com? /releases/2003/09/030909070840.htm
Saponins, glucose-based plant compounds from the waxy skin of grapes that dissolve into the wine during its fermentation process, may rival resveratrol when it comes to promoting your health. Only here’s the beauty of it: they’re on the same team. Like resveratrol, saponins help reduce dangerous cholesterol levels, but by different means. While resveratrol appears to block cholesterol oxidation via antioxidant action, saponins work by binding to and preventing the absorption of cholesterol from food. Could this be a core piece in the French Paradox puzzle? It appears that saponins may also affect inflammatory pathways, which could also minimize your risk of heart disease and cancer (see below: Wine & Chronic Inflammation: What You Need to Know).
So what’s the Zinfandel connection? In general, Waterhouse found that while red wine contains up to 10 times the saponin levels as white wine, Zinfandel boasted the highest levels of all. Syrah had the second highest, followed by Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. With wellness in mind, you should target deeply pigmented red wines, which have typically spent the longest time in contact with their grape skins. This should be no hardship if you love rich, bold, complex reds. Also, wines with higher alcohol content are strongly linked with saponin levels, as alcohol may make the saponins more soluble in wine. In fact, the red Zinfandel Waterhouse tested was 16% alcohol. If this exciting information is news to you, it may just call for a toast with a generous glass of Zinfandel─the “saponin star.” In vino veratis!
1 American Chemical Society (2003, September 9). New Cholesterol Fighter Found In Red Wine. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 18, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com? /releases/2003/09/030909070840.htm
Wine & Chronic Inflammation: What You Need to Know
As we continue to learn more about the many health benefits of wine, it comes to light that red wine in particular may help minimize disease-promoting, chronic inflammation in your body. Inflammation is, by definition, the body's basic response to injury, enabling your white blood cells to protect you from infection and foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. In fact, your body’s basic inflammatory response─acute inflammation─is necessary to your survival.
Chronic inflammation however, which occurs when your pro-inflammatory immune cells are stimulated unnecessarily, is a different story. It appears that chronic, low-level inflammation─in response to stresses like smoking, high cholesterol and obesity─promotes the buildup of fatty deposits in the inner lining of the arteries called arterial plaques. These plaques can rupture, creating blood clots, leading to heart attack or stroke. Excessive inflammation is considered a critical factor in many diseases, including cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammation levels in the body may be elevated years before one actually experiences a heart attack or stroke.
How do you know if you have dangerously elevated, chronic inflammation? The most widely used means of measuring inflammation levels in your body is the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test (hsCRP). High levels of inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein, have been associated with a greater risk of stroke as well as an increased rate of atherosclerosis progression. High C-reactive protein is also highly predictive of recurrent heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cardiovascular death.1
So what's the good news? Well,if you’re interested in optimal health, it’s nice to know that you have some control over your own inflammation levels. You can minimize your risk of chronic inflammation by regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and increasing your intake of inflammation-fighting substances like red wine. Due to the complex mixture of bioactive compounds wine contains, including flavonols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and resveratrol, this unique beverage may help prevent age-related disorders like neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.2
Other clinical studies have suggested that red wine polyphenols can delay the development of atherosclerosis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.3 Phenolic compounds like resveratrol in red wine have shown anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo, protecting you by modifying pro-inflammatory gene expression.4 Other research shows that red wine helps to reduce plasma fibrinogen─the soluble protein that forms dangerous blood clots─while also decreasing C-reactive protein.5
In one study, Spanish researchers found that after four weeks of drinking two glasses of wine per day, women showed reduced blood levels of C-reactive protein, while their “good” (HDL) cholesterol increased measurably. Red wine had a more pronounced effect than white wine due to its higher concentration of antioxidant polyphenols like resveratrol. According to Dr. Sacanella who led the study, people who drink moderate amounts of wine─about a glass or two per day─may lower their risk of dying from heart disease by nearly one-third compared with non-drinkers. He advises that “a person who usually drinks up to this quantity of alcohol should maintain this healthy habit."6
There's no magic bullet to longevity, but rather a series of ingredients in a recipe for great health. And clearly, wine is one that you can feel good about including in moderation. Cheers!
1 J Periodontol. 2008 Aug;79(8 Suppl):1544-51
2 Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2009 Sep;33(9):1513-23. Epub 2009 Jun 10
3 Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010 Jan 21. [Epub ahead of print]
4 Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2007;43(4):394-405
5 Atherosclerosis. 2004 Jul;175(1):117-23
6 Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Nov;86(5):1463-9.
Chronic inflammation however, which occurs when your pro-inflammatory immune cells are stimulated unnecessarily, is a different story. It appears that chronic, low-level inflammation─in response to stresses like smoking, high cholesterol and obesity─promotes the buildup of fatty deposits in the inner lining of the arteries called arterial plaques. These plaques can rupture, creating blood clots, leading to heart attack or stroke. Excessive inflammation is considered a critical factor in many diseases, including cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. Inflammation levels in the body may be elevated years before one actually experiences a heart attack or stroke.
How do you know if you have dangerously elevated, chronic inflammation? The most widely used means of measuring inflammation levels in your body is the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test (hsCRP). High levels of inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein, have been associated with a greater risk of stroke as well as an increased rate of atherosclerosis progression. High C-reactive protein is also highly predictive of recurrent heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cardiovascular death.1
So what's the good news? Well,if you’re interested in optimal health, it’s nice to know that you have some control over your own inflammation levels. You can minimize your risk of chronic inflammation by regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and increasing your intake of inflammation-fighting substances like red wine. Due to the complex mixture of bioactive compounds wine contains, including flavonols, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and resveratrol, this unique beverage may help prevent age-related disorders like neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.2
Other clinical studies have suggested that red wine polyphenols can delay the development of atherosclerosis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.3 Phenolic compounds like resveratrol in red wine have shown anti-inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo, protecting you by modifying pro-inflammatory gene expression.4 Other research shows that red wine helps to reduce plasma fibrinogen─the soluble protein that forms dangerous blood clots─while also decreasing C-reactive protein.5
In one study, Spanish researchers found that after four weeks of drinking two glasses of wine per day, women showed reduced blood levels of C-reactive protein, while their “good” (HDL) cholesterol increased measurably. Red wine had a more pronounced effect than white wine due to its higher concentration of antioxidant polyphenols like resveratrol. According to Dr. Sacanella who led the study, people who drink moderate amounts of wine─about a glass or two per day─may lower their risk of dying from heart disease by nearly one-third compared with non-drinkers. He advises that “a person who usually drinks up to this quantity of alcohol should maintain this healthy habit."6
There's no magic bullet to longevity, but rather a series of ingredients in a recipe for great health. And clearly, wine is one that you can feel good about including in moderation. Cheers!
1 J Periodontol. 2008 Aug;79(8 Suppl):1544-51
2 Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2009 Sep;33(9):1513-23. Epub 2009 Jun 10
3 Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2010 Jan 21. [Epub ahead of print]
4 Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2007;43(4):394-405
5 Atherosclerosis. 2004 Jul;175(1):117-23
6 Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Nov;86(5):1463-9.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Understanding the French Paradox
Many Americans are familiar with this phrase, especially those who appreciate wine. The paradox─which generally means something that is the opposite of what it should be─is the irony that the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans, despite having a diet far higher in saturated fats. In fact, data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) indicates that the French actually eat four times as much butter, 60% more cheese, and nearly three times as much pork as Americans.
The term French Paradox was coined in 1992 by Dr. Serge Renaud─a scientist from Bordeaux University in France─after he completed his study of French men observing that their incidence of heart disease was only 40% of that experienced by American men. Dr. Renaud determined that moderate, daily wine consumption appeared to be the "key" to the Paradox, with his study finding that 2-3 glasses of wine per day wine reduced male death rates from all diseases by up to 30%.1 Many other studies have provided strong evidence linking moderate alcohol consumption with a reduced risk of heart disease, which is still the leading cause of death for Americans.2-6 In fact, drinking alcohol in moderation appears to reduce mortality from all causes by 30-50%.8
When 60 Minutes broadcast the French Paradox hypotheses in 1991─explained by both Dr. Renaud and Dr. R. Curtis Ellison of Boston University School of Medicine─the concept became an international phenomenon. Perhaps it’s no surprise that American wine consumption increased by over 40% as a result, which surely caused chuckles around French dinner tables. What bears noting is that although these breakthroughs occurred nearly 20 years ago, evidence has been mounting ever since to support the hypotheses that wine promotes a healthy heart, among other benefits. Stay tuned to learn more about the many ways that wine can promote your wellness.
1 The Lancet, Volume 355, Issue 9197, Pages 48 - 48 B
2 Age Ageing. 2009 Mar;38(2):206-12. Epub 2009 Jan 7
3 BMJ. 1996 Mar 23;312(7033):731-6
4 BMJ. 1996 Aug 10;313(7053):365
5 ACP J Club. 1996 Sep-Oct;125(2):50-1
6 BMJ. 1996 Aug 10;313(7053):365-6
7 BMJ. 1996 Dec 14;313(7071):1555; author reply 1555-6.
8 BMJ Vol310May1995
The term French Paradox was coined in 1992 by Dr. Serge Renaud─a scientist from Bordeaux University in France─after he completed his study of French men observing that their incidence of heart disease was only 40% of that experienced by American men. Dr. Renaud determined that moderate, daily wine consumption appeared to be the "key" to the Paradox, with his study finding that 2-3 glasses of wine per day wine reduced male death rates from all diseases by up to 30%.1 Many other studies have provided strong evidence linking moderate alcohol consumption with a reduced risk of heart disease, which is still the leading cause of death for Americans.2-6 In fact, drinking alcohol in moderation appears to reduce mortality from all causes by 30-50%.8
When 60 Minutes broadcast the French Paradox hypotheses in 1991─explained by both Dr. Renaud and Dr. R. Curtis Ellison of Boston University School of Medicine─the concept became an international phenomenon. Perhaps it’s no surprise that American wine consumption increased by over 40% as a result, which surely caused chuckles around French dinner tables. What bears noting is that although these breakthroughs occurred nearly 20 years ago, evidence has been mounting ever since to support the hypotheses that wine promotes a healthy heart, among other benefits. Stay tuned to learn more about the many ways that wine can promote your wellness.
1 The Lancet, Volume 355, Issue 9197, Pages 48 - 48 B
2 Age Ageing. 2009 Mar;38(2):206-12. Epub 2009 Jan 7
3 BMJ. 1996 Mar 23;312(7033):731-6
4 BMJ. 1996 Aug 10;313(7053):365
5 ACP J Club. 1996 Sep-Oct;125(2):50-1
6 BMJ. 1996 Aug 10;313(7053):365-6
7 BMJ. 1996 Dec 14;313(7071):1555; author reply 1555-6.
8 BMJ Vol310May1995
Wine and Metabolic Syndrome
Though we’ve all heard of diabetes, Americans are often less familiar with a disorder that can gain a foothold diabetes is actually diagnosed: metabolic syndrome. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, metabolic syndrome refers to a group of risk factors linked to being overweight and/or obese that increase your chance for heart disease and other health problems such as diabetes and stroke. This syndrome is surprisingly prevalent in our culture. In fact, some studies estimate that up to 25% of the American population is affected. 1
How do you know if you have metabolic syndrome, also referred to as syndrome X? The National Cholesterol Education Programmmes Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEPATP III) clinical definition of the metabolic syndrome requires the presence of at least three risk factors, from among these five:2
• Excess abdominal fat (apple shape)
• Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• High plasma triacylglycerols
• High blood pressure
• High fasting glucose
If you think you’re courting metabolic syndrome─or just want to ensure you keep it at bay─you should know that it is highly preventable with some basic, healthy lifestyle tactics. These include quitting smoking, moderate daily exercise, consuming a diet rich in fresh produce with minimal trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt, and trimming excess body weight. You also need to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. You may be surprised to learn that there’s something else that may help, which you might actually enjoy: a daily glass or two of red wine.
Recent studies have demonstrated multiple beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption in protecting you from developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) and from its related medical complications. In fact, the association between moderate wine consumption and lower incidence of the MetS and atherosclerotic heart disease has been repeatedly documented in numerous studies on diverse ethnic groups.3
Additional research indicates that resveratrol from red wine can protect against the metabolic changes associated with high calorie diets in mice with induced insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, detailing how resveratrol can help prevent the dangerous effects of effects of overeating, and prevent cardiovascular events.4 Dyslipidemia refers to any of several lipid abnormalities, including high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol and high triglycerides (non-cholesterol fats).
Both low HDL and high triglycerides increase your risk of developing MetS, while all three boost your risk of heart attack. Alcohol in general, consumed in moderation is associated with a decreased incidence of metabolic syndrome and beneficial effects on plasma lipid levels, waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose (blood sugar).
Of all the components of metabolic syndrome, alcohol is most helpful in boosting HDL(“good)” cholesterol levels. However, the benefits are more pronounced among red wine drinkers because red wine polyphenols increase the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme which plays a key role in the development of metabolic syndrome. Decreased activity of this enzyme contributes to the development of insulin resistance, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia.5
If you’re really health conscious, you may want to pay special attention to even one or two indicators of metabolic syndrome. The good news is that this syndrome is largely preventable with small daily adjustments. Take today for instance. How about an afternoon walk, a big, veggie-laden salad with dinner, and a glass of Zinfandel? Some would call that the good life. Here’s to your health!
1 Syndrome JAMA 287(3):356-359. PMID 11790215
2 Cell Biochem Funct. 2006 Jul-Aug;24(4):291-8
3 Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets(Formerly Current Dru, Volume 8, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 89-98(10)
4 J Cardiometab Syndr. 2009 Spring;4(2):102-6
5 Pol Arch Med Wewn. 2007 Jul;117(7):306-11
How do you know if you have metabolic syndrome, also referred to as syndrome X? The National Cholesterol Education Programmmes Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEPATP III) clinical definition of the metabolic syndrome requires the presence of at least three risk factors, from among these five:2
• Excess abdominal fat (apple shape)
• Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• High plasma triacylglycerols
• High blood pressure
• High fasting glucose
If you think you’re courting metabolic syndrome─or just want to ensure you keep it at bay─you should know that it is highly preventable with some basic, healthy lifestyle tactics. These include quitting smoking, moderate daily exercise, consuming a diet rich in fresh produce with minimal trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt, and trimming excess body weight. You also need to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. You may be surprised to learn that there’s something else that may help, which you might actually enjoy: a daily glass or two of red wine.
Recent studies have demonstrated multiple beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption in protecting you from developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) and from its related medical complications. In fact, the association between moderate wine consumption and lower incidence of the MetS and atherosclerotic heart disease has been repeatedly documented in numerous studies on diverse ethnic groups.3
Additional research indicates that resveratrol from red wine can protect against the metabolic changes associated with high calorie diets in mice with induced insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, detailing how resveratrol can help prevent the dangerous effects of effects of overeating, and prevent cardiovascular events.4 Dyslipidemia refers to any of several lipid abnormalities, including high levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol and high triglycerides (non-cholesterol fats).
Both low HDL and high triglycerides increase your risk of developing MetS, while all three boost your risk of heart attack. Alcohol in general, consumed in moderation is associated with a decreased incidence of metabolic syndrome and beneficial effects on plasma lipid levels, waist circumference and fasting plasma glucose (blood sugar).
Of all the components of metabolic syndrome, alcohol is most helpful in boosting HDL(“good)” cholesterol levels. However, the benefits are more pronounced among red wine drinkers because red wine polyphenols increase the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme which plays a key role in the development of metabolic syndrome. Decreased activity of this enzyme contributes to the development of insulin resistance, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia.5
If you’re really health conscious, you may want to pay special attention to even one or two indicators of metabolic syndrome. The good news is that this syndrome is largely preventable with small daily adjustments. Take today for instance. How about an afternoon walk, a big, veggie-laden salad with dinner, and a glass of Zinfandel? Some would call that the good life. Here’s to your health!
1 Syndrome JAMA 287(3):356-359. PMID 11790215
2 Cell Biochem Funct. 2006 Jul-Aug;24(4):291-8
3 Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets(Formerly Current Dru, Volume 8, Number 2, June 2008 , pp. 89-98(10)
4 J Cardiometab Syndr. 2009 Spring;4(2):102-6
5 Pol Arch Med Wewn. 2007 Jul;117(7):306-11
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Red Wine, Healthy Heart
By now, you may know that many of the cardiovascular benefits of red wine have been attributed to a natural compound called resveratrol. Resveratrol is a plant chemical─or polyphenol─found in red grape skin and seeds, among other foods. Red wine contains higher amounts of this compound than white wine because the process of winemaking extracts the polyphenols from the grape seeds and skins. The cardio-protective effects of wine have been attributed to both the alcohol itself, and the natural compounds it contains. Wine features a wide range of antioxidants, including resveratrol, catechins, epicatechins, and a class of flavonoids called proanthocyanidins.
Evidence continues to mount when it comes to resveratrol and heart health. For example, resveratrol-rich red wine has been shown to reduce damage to the heart while minimizing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol) and preventing dangerous blood clotting.1 Researchers have referred to resveratrol as “therapeutic promise for cardiovascular diseases.” At a very low concentration, this natural compound inhibits cell death, thereby protecting the heart from atherosclerosis, life threatening abnormal heartbeats called ventricular arrhythmias, and heart injury associated with poor blood flow. In fact, some scientists feel that resveratrol is literally preventive medicine.2
How else might resveratrol from red wine promote heart health? It appears that resveratrol protects against dangerous blood clots while also acting as a vasodilator, meaning it helps to widen blood vessels for healthy blood flow. All these effects seem to interfere with the development of artery-clogging plaque and blood clots.3 Resveratrol also helps to limit the dangerous effects of cardiac fibrosis─a hardening of the heart tissue that forces it to work harder to pump blood, causing further damage to the muscles that surround it.4
When a meta-analysis was performed on 19 wine/health studies, the conclusion was that 1.5 glasses of wine per day were highly beneficial in preventing cardiovascular events. Although some cardio protective effects were due to the alcohol itself─including boosting HDL (“good”) cholesterol─other heart-protective effects were clearly attributed to the specific actions of rseveratrol described here.5
And this is but a mere glimpse into the many studies detailing the heart-healthy benefits of resveratrol from red wine. Given the fact that cardiovascular disease remains the #1 killer for Americans, this information seems not only vitally important, but well worth a hearty toast─within the context of an overall healthy lifestyle, of course. Cheers!
1Int J Mol Med. 2001 Jul;8(1):3-17
2Recent Pat Cardiovasc Drug Discov. 2007 Jun;2(2):133-8
3Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 2006 Dec;99(12):1230-5
4 Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2005 Mar;288(3):H1131-8. Epub 2004 Oct 21
5 Ital Heart J. 2001 Jan;2(1):1-8.
Evidence continues to mount when it comes to resveratrol and heart health. For example, resveratrol-rich red wine has been shown to reduce damage to the heart while minimizing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol) and preventing dangerous blood clotting.1 Researchers have referred to resveratrol as “therapeutic promise for cardiovascular diseases.” At a very low concentration, this natural compound inhibits cell death, thereby protecting the heart from atherosclerosis, life threatening abnormal heartbeats called ventricular arrhythmias, and heart injury associated with poor blood flow. In fact, some scientists feel that resveratrol is literally preventive medicine.2
How else might resveratrol from red wine promote heart health? It appears that resveratrol protects against dangerous blood clots while also acting as a vasodilator, meaning it helps to widen blood vessels for healthy blood flow. All these effects seem to interfere with the development of artery-clogging plaque and blood clots.3 Resveratrol also helps to limit the dangerous effects of cardiac fibrosis─a hardening of the heart tissue that forces it to work harder to pump blood, causing further damage to the muscles that surround it.4
When a meta-analysis was performed on 19 wine/health studies, the conclusion was that 1.5 glasses of wine per day were highly beneficial in preventing cardiovascular events. Although some cardio protective effects were due to the alcohol itself─including boosting HDL (“good”) cholesterol─other heart-protective effects were clearly attributed to the specific actions of rseveratrol described here.5
And this is but a mere glimpse into the many studies detailing the heart-healthy benefits of resveratrol from red wine. Given the fact that cardiovascular disease remains the #1 killer for Americans, this information seems not only vitally important, but well worth a hearty toast─within the context of an overall healthy lifestyle, of course. Cheers!
1Int J Mol Med. 2001 Jul;8(1):3-17
2Recent Pat Cardiovasc Drug Discov. 2007 Jun;2(2):133-8
3Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 2006 Dec;99(12):1230-5
4 Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2005 Mar;288(3):H1131-8. Epub 2004 Oct 21
5 Ital Heart J. 2001 Jan;2(1):1-8.
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