A compound found in red wine may help prevent cancer of the prostrate, a gland in the male reproductive system, a new study says.
The compound found in red wine is called ‘resveratrol’ and scientists say it has anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.
The compound can also be found in grapes, raspberries, peanuts and blueberries.
In the new study, researchers led by Coral Lamartiniere of the University of Alabama at Birmingham fed mice the compound and found an 87 percent reduction in their risk of developing prostate tumours, reported science portal EurekAlert.
The mice that were given the compound mixed with their food over seven months showed the highest cancer-protection effect.
The findings were published in August in the online edition of journal ‘Carcinogenesis’.
Red wine, made from red or black grapes, is known to protect from heart disease although scientists have warned that excess consumption of alcohol can have harmful health effects.
Doctors generally recommend moderate consumption of alcohol – an average of two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
Source:The Times Of India
