Published research on resveratrol -- a phytonutrient found in fresh grapes -- has nearly tripled in the past two years, indicating strong interest in the health benefits of this compound. Resveratrol, found mainly in the skins of grapes, is noted for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to prevent cancer and heart disease. Among the newer research findings: -- Researchers at the University of Missouri showed that resveratrol reduces oxidative stress in nerve cells, which may protect against age-related nerve changes such as those in Alzheimer's. Researchers at the University of Milan are investigating additional protective effects of resveratrol on nerve cells. -- At Wright State University School of Medicine, researchers showed that resveratrol inhibited enzyme activity responsible for abnormal smooth muscle growth in blood vessels, a key factor in the development of arterial plaques and the progression of atherosclerosis. -- Research groups in at New York Medical College, the University of Minnesota, and Seoul National University showed that resveratrol may help kill cancer cells by activating the systems responsible for normal cell death. In cancer cells, these important systems have been shut down, leading to uncontrolled growth. In addition to resveratrol, fresh grapes contain a variety of other phytonutrients, including quercetin, catechins, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. All of these compounds are antioxidants, and are believed to protect living cells against damage by free radicals. The ravage of healthy cells by free radicals is considered a key factor in the body's overall aging process, including development of certain chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. New research findings include: -- Researchers in Japan showed that systolic blood pressure in animals with high blood pressure was reduced after consuming an extract of wine compounds for eight weeks. -- Studies of multiple grape compounds showed the powerful anti-cancer effect possible with combinations of phytonutrients. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Kansas found that resveratrol and quercetin alone inhibited oral cancer cell growth, but when cells were treated with a combination of resveratrol and quercetin, the inhibitory effect on cell growth was enhanced. -- Researchers in Japan found that the antioxidant activity of catechin was enhanced when combined with vitamin E. "Preliminary results such as these support the scientific theory that phytonutrients, in combination, and in their natural environment -- food -- exert a beneficial, synergistic effect," said registered dietitian Courtney Romano. "Interest in resveratrol and other grape compounds will most likely continue to grow, as research further defines the health benefits of the many phytonutrients in plant foods," said Romano. "Many people are aware that eating more fruits and vegetables each day is a healthy habit, but additional research will continue to provide the reasons why, with new insights into the specific health-enhancing and disease-preventing benefits of these foods." The overview was sponsored by the Grape Growers of California. Why not? Remember organic is better. 1/05 We received an email from 'Shirley' as follows: "In this article you said that "U. S. grape growers use high amounts of sulfites, etc. so buy organic." I wonder if you know that organically grown produce can indeed be treated with sulfur (legally). I recently bought white organic grapes and wtihin 20-30 minutes after eating them had breathing difficulty (also jerking of legs and arms). I am not an asthmatic. Hours later I got a hive on my face. The following morning, I called the number on the grape wrapper and was told that they were treated with sulfur and that it was legal under organic growing rules. I have since called many of the distributors of the organic foods I buy and many say that they do use some form of sulfur on the organic item and that it is all legal since sulfur is an "organic" compound. This was an eye opener for me. You cannot assume that buying organic means sulfur free. I thought perhaps you could use this information". Shirley |
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