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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : October 17, 2014 6:24 PM IST
Red wine is a drink most people like, and studies have found that the drink does have a beneficial effect on our body, but that is not all. A new study has found that resveratrol, a natural compound found in red wine and grapes, increases spinal bone density in men with metabolic syndrome, says Danish researchers, adding that this holds promise as a treatment for osteoporosis. Resveratrol has anti-inflammatory properties and has been found to protect against bone loss in mice and rats.
'Our study is the first to reveal resveratrol's potential as an anti-osteoporosis drug in humans. The findings suggest the compound stimulates bone-forming cells within the body,' claimed Marie Juul Ornstrup from Aarhus University Hospital in Aarhus, Denmark. To reach this conclusion, they performed a randomised placebo-controlled trial to assess bone mineral density and signs of bone formation and resorption in 66 middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome. (Read: Want a healthy heart? Drink wine and exercise)
For a 16-week period, the men took either a 500-mg dose of resveratrol, a 75-mg dose of the compound or a placebo twice a day. Men who took the higher dose of resveratrol had a 2.6 percent increase in lumbar spine volumetric bone mineral density compared to men who had taken the placebo. The high resveratrol group also had a 16 percent increase in levels of the bone formation marker bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) compared to the control group. (Read: Aspirin combined with red wine can kill cancerous cells!)
'In just four months on high-dose resveratrol, we saw significant improvements in bone mineral density at the spine and elevated levels of the bone formation marker BAP,' Ornstrup informed. Additional research is needed to assess whether these bone protective effects occur in populations at risk of osteoporosis during the course of long-term treatment, he emphasised.
Resveratrol is one of a group of plant compounds known as polyphenols. In addition to red wine and grapes, resveratrol is found in nuts. The study was published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. (Read: Red wine can fight dental cavities: Study)
Here are 7 reasons drinking moderate amounts of red wine is actually good for your health:
1.Can help prevent cholesterol build up
Research has shown that antioxidants in wine known as polyphenols can help prevent cholesterol build up and thus prevent heart disease. In today s times, when more and more young people are falling prey to heart disease consuming foods rich in antioxidants and avoiding junk food is a good idea. Besides wine, green tea and vegetables like spinach are also good sources of antioxidants.
2. May help you live longer and healthier
Death is a certainty in life. Yet, people want to slow down the ageing process as much as possible. Researchers have found that a compound contained in red wine called resveratrol helps you live longer! The study administered resveratrol to bees. After administration, the bees showed a decrease in food intake and showed a tendency to live longer.
3. Can prevent hearing loss
Not only does reseveratrol present in wine help increase longevity, it also helps prevent hearing loss. In a study conducted by the Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, healthy rats administered resveratrol were less likely to suffer noise-induced hearing loss for a long period of time. Read more about 7 ways red wine is great for your health
With inputs from IANS
Photo source: Getty images
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