History
The origin of wine has somehow been lost in time. We know that the cave man ate grapes because their seeds have been found in caves along with stone tools. In 6000BC the following story was written: A Persian who appreciated grapes stored some away in a great jar marked –poison – to keep it to himself. Some time afterwards, one of the king’s beautiful wives, tired of life, drank from the jar and the poison was so delicious that, much revived, she took a cup to the king. The king tasted it, took the lady back into favor, and ordered that thereafter the grapes should be allowed to ferment.
New enlightenment of French Paradox
Epidemiological studies have revealed that red wine consumption decreased the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, a phenomenon commonly known as the “French Paradox”. Statistically the incidence of heart infarction in France is about 40% lower than the rest of Europe, despite a diet being traditionally rich in saturated fat.
Furthermore, various studies show that phytochemicals present in the red wine inhibit the three stages of carcinogenesis, the production of cancer, involving tumor initiation, promotion and progression. It has also been shown to suppress angiogenesis and metastasis.
There has been controversy regarding alcohol and breast cancer.
A recent study made on British women showed that alcohol consumption increase breast cancer by 11% but lowers every other cancers of the upper body and from the digestive apparatus ( stomach, colon, mouth and esophagus)by 25% . What the study do not advertise is the fact that this is only applicable if you are a smoker and the alcohol is not red wine. Also the targeted population is one that ate the less fruits and vegetables in all Europe.
In three sentences.
1. If you don’t smoke, moderated consumption of alcohol beverages is beneficial in order to avoid cancer.
2. If you do smoke, you can always drink red wine in moderation.
3. Wine is an alcoholic beverage, and pregnant women or women contemplating having a baby should avoid alcohol. It can be dangerous to the foetus.
Cancer latest research
Red wine is one of the best functional foods available. It’s been shown to affect the four basic processes that use cancer to progress. There are presently over 500 scientific studies on red wine or one of these phytochemicals. Red wine should be incorporated in your lifestyle. Another study, published in the Photochemistry and Photobiology, showed an enhancement of the efficacy of radiation therapy.
Cancer protection
Leukemia
Liver cancer or hepatoma
Neuroblastoma or brain tumor
Prostate cancer
Colon cancer
Gastric cancer
Breast cancer
Lung cancer
Skin cancer or melanoma
Posology
Here is the recommended daily consumption. Yes !pleasure is part of an healthy lifestyle.
-1 glass/ day for women ( 125 ml or 1/2 cup)
-2 glasses/day for men
Cancer Protection Level
Here is the four level of wine protection against cancer weapons.
| Apoptosis |  |
| Angiogenesis |  |
| Inflammation | |
| Proliferation | |
Bonus: Alcohol gives pleasure but only with moderation otherwise the effect is reversed.
References
1. Exp Cell Res. 2009 Mar 4. Red wine triggers cell death and thioredoxin reductase inhibition: effects beyond resveratrol and SIRT1. Wallenborg K, Vlachos P, Eriksson S, Huijbregts L, Arnér ES, Joseph B, Hermanson O.
2. Mol Cancer Ther. 2008 Dec;7(12):3761-70. alphavbeta3 Integrin-dependent antiangiogenic activity of resveratrol stereoisomers. Belleri M, Ribatti D, Savio M, Stivala LA, Forti L, Tanghetti E, Alessi P, Coltrini D, Bugatti A, Mitola S, Nicoli S, Vannini V, Presta M.
3. Nutr Rev. 2008 Aug;66(8):445-54. Potential of resveratrol in anticancer and anti-inflammatory therapy. Udenigwe CC, Ramprasath VR, Aluko RE, Jones PJ.
4. Chem Biol Interact. 2008 Nov 27. Resveratrol-mediated chemoprevention of diethylnitrosamine-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis: Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. Bishayee A, Dhir N.