Anyone who reads about healthcare issues knows that red wine can be a
healthy drink if consumed in moderation. New facts seem to be coming
out all the time . . . researchers are now discovering more about the
benefits of red wine, including the fact that these beneficial
compounds in the grape work in cooperation with probiotic bacteria in
the gut.

Researchers at the University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) have found
that certain compounds in red wine and grape juice are anti-microbial
in nature, and work to neutralize pathogens carried into the body by
the food we eat. What I found most fascinating about this research is
the fact that while examining the inhibitory effects of these grape
products, scientists discovered that these biochemicals in the wine do
NOT harm the "good" bacteria which reside in the gut (probiotic
bacteria). They can somehow recognize pathogenic bacteria, however!
Probiotic bacteria naturally reside in the body and can be very
beneficial in combating disease, high-cholesterol, and--some say--even
tumors. It is interesting that the wine counteracts harmful bacteria,
but leaves the good bacteria alone to do its job.

Certain red wines were more beneficial against food-borne pathogens
than others. Cabernet, Merlot and Zinfandel, for example, had the
highest ability to defend against pathogens (while protecting the good
bacteria). The pathogens the researchers where testing against
included E. coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and
H. pylori. E. coli and Listeria can be fatal. According to the
authors, one of the most promising results involved Helicobacter
pylori, which can be transmitted via food and water; it is also known
as the main cause of stomach ulcers:

"Our study is a little different than those previously reported in the
media. Those studies promote moderate red wine consumption for
cardiovascular diseases," she said. "We went a step farther and asked:
If red wine is already good for cardiovascular diseases, what about
food-borne pathogens? If you get a food-borne illness and drink red
wine, will that help decrease the symptoms a little bit? This study
showed that the four probiotics tested weren't inhibited by red wines;
the pathogens were," reported one of them to Science News.

Although many white wines also were tested, they yielded no positive
results. After reading this report, wine drinkers need to realize that
the "health benefits" claim is simply an excuse when opening a bottle
of white wine with dinner!

Dave

Full text extracted from http://shamvswham.blogspot.com/