University of Leicester scientists have presented new evidence on how a chemical found in red wine can have significant health benefits.
At a major conference held at the University (Resveratrol 2012), speakers highlighted findings on the latest advances in the study of resveratrol – a compound found in the skins of red grapes – which show how the chemical can help prevent cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Although the potential health benefits of resveratrol have been known for some time, it has not yet been proven that it can be effective in humans and the best dose to give remains unknown – meaning that its widespread use cannot safely be recommended at the moment. Researchers at the University of Leicester have been researching the levels of resveratrol which can be beneficial in preventing cancer. Using laboratory models, they have found that a daily amount of resveratrol, equivalent to two glasses of wine, can halve the rate of bowel tumours. The Leicester researchers now hope to take their findings from the lab to the next stage by carrying out clinical trials to find the optimum level of resveratrol in humans.
