Advertisement
If you have a little extra wine during the upcoming holiday dinner, you can finally explain why it's good for you.
Scientists have known for a while now that red wine is good for your heart. Studies over the last decade have found that red wine is good for you thanks to a compound it contains called resveratrol, which can promote longevity and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other illnesses.
However, they weren't exactly sure why resveratrol was so good for you.
They also weren't entirely sure if you could get the same benefits without drinking wine by the case, or if you could somehow reap the benefits through another food source.
A new study recently published in the journal Nature seems to have found the answer... finally.
Scientists found that when you are under a great deal of stress, your body releases a tiny amount of the compound resveratrol--again, the same compound that scientists know makes wine good for your heart.
This then activates a protein that can repair your DNA, suppress tumor genes, and ultimately prolong your life. In other words, it amps up your body's natural stress response to limit the damage that can lead to aging and disease.
White wine doesn't have as much because resveratrol originates in the skin of the grape, and the majority of white wine is not fermented with grape skins, but it can be found in other foods. Small doses of resveratrol are also found in cacao beans, cocoa powder, semisweet chocolate baking chips, and best of all, in dark chocolate.
Double up on red wine a decadent piece of dark chocolate in the name of taste... and health!
What do you think of this study? Are you surprised? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Photo Copyright © 2012 faisal_akram/Flickr
