Hebrew University study shows that red wine can increase your longevity!

by Bruce Watson, Posted Aug 6th 2008 @ 10:00AM

Over the past few years, as wine has undergone repeated studies, it has started to seem like the modern-day fountain of youth. According to its various supporters, it can fight off streptococcus bacteria, reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and flush one's system with antioxidants. Still, all of these pale beside wine's greatest claim to fame: the so-called French paradox.

For years, scientists have wondered how the French, who have one of the most saturated-fat rich diets in the world, manage to have such a low incidence of heart disease. While they haven't been able to scientifically determine the mechanism at work, anecdotal evidence has suggested that France's impressive wine consumption might have something to do with the paradox. Recently, scientists at Hebrew University in Jerusalem have confirmed the link and have even determined part of its mechanism.

According to the researchers, when the body digests meat, particularly turkey and red meat, it produces two toxic chemicals, malondialdehyde and hydroperoxide. These compounds can cause cancer, inflammation, and heart disease. However, red wine contains polyphenols, a particular kind of antioxidant, that neutralizes the toxins and prevents their absorbtion into the bloodstream.

Undoubtedly, this will spawn more studies, but it's pretty impressive that the Hebrew University researchers were able to uncover the mechanism that makes red wine such a wonderful, health-giving drink. If you were looking for an excuse to drink that next glass of wine, I think we found it!

Filed Under: Science, Did you know?, Health & Medical, Food News, Ingredients, Drink Recipes
Tags: beef, did you know, france, heart disease, HeartDisease, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, HebrewUniversityOfJerusalem, polyphenols, poultry, red wine, RedWine, wine