Studies from time to time have proved various health benefits offered by the red wine. Red wine can help in keeping the heart healthy. It is also offer protection against radiation.

Recent research has added one more point in long list of health benefits of red wine.

Researchers have found that red wine contains resveratrol, a natural antioxidant, that may help in preventing cancer and protects people heart and brain from getting damage.

This study was led by Lindsay Brown, an associate professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Queensland.

The researchers also said that resveratrol in low dosages could improve cell survival as a mechanism of cardio- and neuro-protection, whereas high dosages raise cell death.

Prof Brown stated, “The key difference is probably the result of activation of the sirtuins in the nucleus. Low activation reverses age-associated changes, while high activation increases the process of apoptosis or programmed cell death to remove cellular debris.”

“Similar changes are seen with low-dose versus high-dose resveratrol: low-dose resveratrol produces cellular protection and reduces damage, while high-dose resveratrol prevents cancers,” said Brown.

Researchers found that low to moderate intake of red wine appears to lessen causes of death, while drinking red wine in excess quantity leads to multiple organ damage.

“Reports on the benefits of red wine are almost two centuries old.”

“Studies on the actions of resveratrol, one of the active non-alcoholic ingredients, were uncommon until research around 1997 showed prevention of cancers. This led to a dramatic interest in this compound,” Brown also said.

Dr. Brown said that resveratrol lessens age-related diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The findings on the red wine ingredient ‘resveratrol’ will be published in the September issue of ‘Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research’.

Resveratrol is also found in grapes, pomegranates and many other foods, which is known for lots of health benefits including anti-cancer, antiviral, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also found in red wine, chocolate and green tea.