Peter,
I found this which helps but I know I had a research report somewhere that noted the difference between red and white wine is Resveratrol. Absent from white because the skins aren't fermented. White wine doesn't have the health benefits.
For several years, the media have presented endless stories about the "French Paradox," which explores why the French consume a diet higher in fat, but have a much lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. Then came the answer: the French regularly drink a lot of red wine. When 60 Minutes produced a piece on the matter, Americans began to link the consumption of red wine with good heart health. The wine industry benefitted from those initial reports, and now that more research has focused on the connection, there's more good news. In a word: resveratrol (rez-ver-a-trawl). Many experts feel that this compound, which helps plants fight disease, may be the next great hope in the battle against cancer.
One of the leading researchers on this topic is Cornell University Professor Lee Creasy, who has studied various theories as to why wine consumption might contribute to good health. According to Dr. Creasy, New York's cloudy skies and abundant summer rainfall, especially in the Finger Lakes, cause a proliferation of fungus. In defense, grapes manufacture resveratrol to combat the disease at much higher levels than do plants in drier climates. When consumed, for instance in red wine, the compound seems to lower the risk of coronary heart disease in humans. The best part is that resveratrol is only beneficial, with no known toxic side effects.
Other articles recently have touted resveratrol's ability to inhibit cancer. A Washington Post article by Paul Recer states that scientists have discovered that in laboratory animals "resveratrol can help keep cells from turning cancerous and inhibit the spread of cells that already are malignant." A report in the New York Times by Jane E. Brody adds that resveratrol seems to have a beneficial effect on animals afflicted with certain types of cancer. Of course, there is a need for more research before scientists can accurately predict what benefits resveratrol holds for humans in terms of heart disease and cancer protection.
At this point, the well-informed wine lover might ask, what wines have the highest resveratrol content? The compound, found in all red wines, is most prevalent in red vinifera, traditionally made varieties, such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet. Dr. Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars is participating in a study conducted by Dr. Creasy on the resveratrol content of New York State wines, and our Pinot Noir is among the highest of all American red wines.
cdaisey@more-fun-than-peanuts.com |
