RED WINE HELPS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE 'HEART-ATTACK GERM'

The potential anti-biotic properties of Red Wine have been investigated in an unusual study carried out in the University of Illinois, Chicago. The research, led by Dr. Gail Mahady, set out to try and explain the ‘Mediterranean Paradox’, whereby a seemingly unhealthy fatty diet including relatively high levels of alcohol consumption supports longer life expectancy.

Most strokes and heart attacks are associated with atherosclerosis, the disease that deposits cholesterol plaque inside the arteries of the heart and brain. Although several cardiovascular germs have been identified, most of the research has centred on the Heart Attack Germ, Chlamydia pneumoniae. This is a very common germ—nearly everyone at some point in his/her life becomes infected by it. Usually, the initial infection is so mild that the victim never even knows that he's picked up the germ.

Researchers from the University of Illinois subjected animal cells infected with Chlamydia pnumoniae -- the Heart Attack Germ -- to separate solutions of a polyphenol; the antibiotic azythormcyin ; and red wine (a California Pinot Noir) under conditions similar to those found in the lungs, the initial site of all C. pneumoniae infections. The result? The polyphenol and red wine were just as effective in destroying the C. pneumoniae germ as the antibiotic.

"Researcher Dr. Mahady said: "At very low concentrations, probably equivalent to those in a glass of wine, we found that these components inhibited the bacteria in cell culture. How this plays out in someone with heart disease already, we do not know at this point."

Frank Caddy, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Drinks Industry Group commented, “The antibacterial effects of red wine might help to explain why fewer French people suffer heart problems despite eating fatty foods. However, he added “Always remember: Drink only in moderation – you know it makes sense”

For further comment or information, contact Frank Caddy (02890 422349 or 07711 236376) or visit our website www.nidig.com

- NIDIG members Diageo NI; Dillon Bass; Bass Ireland; Hollywood & Donnelly (C&C)

- Members’ brands represent an estimated 90% of the drinks brands distributed in Northern Ireland

- NIDIG was established in 1984 to promote the Sensible Drinking Message to Northern Ireland

Ref: http://www.theheartattackgerm.com/this%20just.htm