Red Wine
The researchers from the University of Barcelona studied the difference between red wine and gin (gin represented for any other type of alcoholic beverage) and found that red wine contains many complex compounds including polyphenols which induces a much greater anti-inflammatory effect than other alcoholic beverages.
Dr. Emanuel Rubin, a distinguished professor of pathology at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia said that consumption of any form of alcohol will help in lowering inflammatory markers; however, red wine has a much greater effect.
Red wine has long been associated with a lowered risk of heart attack and stroke. An experiment was performed by the Jefferson-led team[1], they measured inflammatory biomarkers in the blood to compare the different effects of red wine and gin on heart health.
The results of this study confirmed that red wine significantly lowered the level of inflammatory molecules such as adhesion molecules (inflammatory markers), proteins that cause white blood cells to stick to the walls of the arteries, which can lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
The benefits of red wine to a person’s health have been well documented. Numerous research suggesting that a moderate consumption of red wine could help to reduce the chance of getting heart diseases, various cancers, as well as reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Red wine has a number of antioxidant compounds, one of them is resveratrol --- a compound which has been linked with cancer prevention.
Scientists have been doing research on resveratrol’s role as a potential treatment against sepsis, appendicitis and peritonitis. Severe sepsis is known to have few effective treatments and a high percentage of mortality; however, scientists and research groups have found positive effects of resveratrol and its role of down regulating inflammation. Although further understanding and research is required, resveratrol may play an important role as an effective anti-inflammatory drug in the future.[2]
Chocolate
There is a review article which discussed the anti-inflammatory impact of cocoa flavanols. The article mentioned that cocoa-based products are the richest functional foods based upon flavanols. Flavanols modify the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the synthesis of eicosanoids, the activation of platelets and NO-mediated mechanisms. There have been studies suggesting that the regular or occasional consumption of cocoa-rich compounds result in beneficial effects on blood pressure, insulin resistance, vascular damage, and oxidative stress.[3]
Similar to red wine, polyphenols are also found in chocolate which makes it beneficial for health as well. Polyphenols are found in beverages (wine, coffee and tea), fruits and vegetables (apples, broccoli, onions, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries, plums and red grapes). [4] Although the best way to get plenty of polyphenols is to consume lots of fruits and vegetables, having chocolate every once a while will not hurt!
MODERATE consumption of red wine + MODERATE consumption of chocolate = FUN anti-inflammatory protection
[1] Red Wine Has Greater Anti-Inflammatory Action Than Other Alcohols. NUTRA ingredients.
http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Red-wine-has-greater-anti-inflammatory-action-than-other-alcohols
[2] Scientists Uncork Anti-Inflammatory Secrets of Red Wine. Family Health Guide. http://www.familyhealthguide.co.uk/scientists-uncork-anti-inflammatory-secrets-of-red-wine.html
[3] Chocolate at heart: The anti-inflammatory impact of cocoa flavanols. Carlo Selmi, Claudio A. Cocchi, Mario Lanfredini, Carl L. Keen, and M. Eric Gershwin. http://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/scientific-research/research-library/documents/Selmi2008.pdf
[4] Cocoa in Chocolate May Be Good for the Heart. Bio-Medicine http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news-1/Cocoa-in-Chocolate-May-Be-Good-for-the-Heart-59974-1/
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Well that's a relief! I speak for myself and I'm sure many people when I say that wine and chocolate are a regular indulgence for me. I particularly like your quote "MODERATE consumption of red wine + MODERATE consumption of chocolate = FUN anti-inflammatory protection." That is a quote I'm sure my office abides by - considering that there always seems to be an abundance of chocolate around. And now I can argue that drinking red wine and eating chocolate is not a guilty pleasure but is in fact for my health's best interest!
ReplyDeletePolyphenols are very big in Japan. Probably almost 10 years ago, all chocolate companies and wine industries started marketing using the signs on the products, SO all Japanese people are aware of polyphenols. The county is so small and trends spreads very quickly and very well. Anyway, I like your recommendation of eating vegetables and fruits. All the statistics came from average or assumed consumption of the substance (polyphenoles) and not amount of consumption of wine or chocolate (I enjoy wine though :), and it is smart to keep the balance of diet.
ReplyDeleteGreat news for red wine and chocolate lovers! But it's also to get addicted to red wine and chocolate.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, while alcohol gives anti-inflammatory benefits, over-consumption can actually cause inflammation to the esophagus and liver. Despirited red wine anyone? :)