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June 25, 2006

Cheers

Good news for red wine drinkers (hey, that's me!).

Red wine: a source of fiber!

Soluble dietary fiber was determined in several red and white wines from different Spanish regions by using a newly developed four-step analytical method: concentration of wine, enzymatic treatment, dialysis, and dietary fiber determination. Significant amounts of soluble dietary fiber were found in wine; dietary fiber content was higher in red wine (0.94 to 1.37 g/L) than in white wine (0.19 to 0.39 g/L).

Red wine: good for your teeth!

A study in the Journal of Dental Research (March 2006) found that wine might prevent tooth loss. The antioxidants known as polyphenois, found in red wine and many fruits and vegetables, help to reduce the inflammation that arises from periodontitis. Researchers believe polyphenois could form the basis of a new approach to treating gum disease.

Red wine: a natural sedative (and not just from the alcohol)!

Grape skins - which are removed when making white wine - are bursting with melatonin, the hormone that keeps our body clocks in check and tells us when it is time to go to bed.

Wines particularly rich in the compound include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chianti.

Now, if they could just find some miracle powers for beer, whisky, and maybe even softcore "cinema" on cable, I might just live to be 150.

Update: OK, so maybe the adult thespians do serve a purpose.