RED WINE PROTECTS BRAIN, KIDNEYS.

Scientists from Universidad de Cordoba and Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia in Spain administered 400 ml/70 kg/d of red wine and a high-cholesterol diet to rats and monitored levels of brain and kidney oxidative stress as well as antioxidant enzyme activity within the animals. Total cholesterol and lipid peroxidation products in the brain, kidney and erythrocytes decreased significantly, while glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities increased. The researchers concluded these results suggest red wine may protect against oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia in the brain and kidneys. (Natural Products Insider, 4/21/2006)