News: Compound in red wine could help treat cancer

If you need another reason to indulge in the occasional glass of red wine, you’re in luck.

Yet another study is touting the health benefits of the delicious alcoholic bevvy – this one showing that it could have the ability to help treat cancer.

The study, by a University of Missouri researcher, found that resveratrol (the same compound responsible for red wine’s ability to improve heart function) can also make certain tumor cells more receptive to radiation treatment.

"Our study investigated how resveratrol and radiotherapy inhibit the survival of melanoma cells," Michael Nicholl, assistant professor of surgery at the MU School of Medicine and surgical oncologist at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, said in a news release. “If we can develop a successful way to deliver the compound to tumor sites, resveratrol could potentially be used to treat many types of cancers.”

Red wine has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, boost sexual desire, slow premature aging and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

So go ahead and indulge – just don’t overdo it. Too much red wine can be more harmful than helpful.

How often to you indulge in a glass of wine?

-Katharine Watts, associate web editor

Related:
‘ The health benefits of white wine
‘ A glass of wine could prevent sun damage
‘ 7 foods that help prevent sun damage