Drink to health

First, there were the health benefits of resveratrol in red wine. For those who do not like the taste of wine or canÕt drink alcohol, there is the red wine pill which may be commercially available soon.

Now wine research says that two compounds in blood plasma, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), connected with cardiovascular heart disease are lower among moderate elderly drinkers. Just so there’s no misunderstanding–repeat, moderate.

The two compounds, called C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), perform different functions in the circulatory system. Too much of either, however, can inflame blood vessel tissues. Lead author Stefano Volpato, from the geriatric department at the University of Ferrara in Italy, said he believes that alcohol may help to regulate the production and metabolism of both compounds.

ÒIn well-functioning older persons, light alcohol consumption is associated with lower levels of IL-6 and CRP,Ó the scientists wrote. ÒThese results suggest an additional biological explanation to the link between moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular [ailments].Ó

The study authors selected 2,574 volunteers, aged 70 to 79, from the larger Health, Aging and Body Composition Study, which uses subjects from nursing homes and Medicare rolls in Memphis, Tenn., and Pittsburgh. All subjects were deemed healthy enough to participate if they could either walk a quarter-mile, climb 10 steps or reported no difficulty in any of their daily tasks. [Wine Spectator Online]

AinÕt that nice. The elderly can have fun and be healthy. Personally, I say, why wait for old age?

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