Posted on 08/15/2005 8:59:30 AM PDT by nickcarraway
A study which shows moderate red wine drinkers have only half the risk of developing cataracts has been welcomed by New Zealand optometrists.
The Reykjavik Eye Study in Iceland followed the health and diet of a group of over-55-year-olds for a period of five years.
It examined the progression of age-related eye disease such as cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Results showed non-drinkers and heavy drinkers of any sort of alcohol had a substantially increased risk for cataract development.
But moderate red wine drinkers - anything between two glasses a month to two or three glasses a day - showed only half the risk.
Drinking moderate amounts of spirits such as whisky or brandy also had a protective effect, just not as strong as red wine, the study's researchers said.
Beer drinkers, on the other hand, had an increased risk of developing cataracts.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe New Zealand Association of Optometrists said today it had been urging people to "eat for eye health" in a bid to reduce eye disease in senior citizens.
"Healthy eating just got more attractive," the association's national director Lesley Frederikson said.
"People understand the benefits of the Mediterranean diet for reduced heart risk and now we find that it is good for your eyes as well."
Dr Frederikson recommended eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; keeping fat intake low; and eating fish at least twice a week.
"Now we can add in a glass or two of red wine and still be eating healthy."
Laz, I believe you can get some of the benefits by eating grapes. I think the skins are where all the goodies are, if I remember correctly.
Also, you can buy supplements in capsules. I don't know if it's as effective, but it's called Resveratrol:
http://www.vitacost.com/NSIResveratrolGrapeSeedRedWineExtracts
I used to order by the case from Duplin but it is now sold in local stores. I have a friend who picks scuppernongs from my vines and makes wine but last summer and this one there has been almost no crop. I think I have a problem with lack of pollinizing insects. I never see a honey bee on my property any more.
I can see clearly now....
Yoicks and away!
Where did you get these bargains?
This deserves a "Just Damn" ping.
I have a number of wild vines on my property and I think they skip years--but you'd need a horticulture expert to address it. Do your local vines flower? There's also similar wines available from Chateaux Elan north of Atlanta, but I think the other two I mentioned are better. The Sweet Mountain Laurel is not musc/scup--it is mostly Niagra grapes. Very fragrant--you'll think you're in your granpa's old grape arbor, with the yellow jackets humming.
The vines have had enormous flower crops but the same vines that produced huge crops three years ago have mad very few grapes for two years running. I have talked to several other people in the area who said they have had a similiar experience last year and this year.
Looking forward to hearing your wine reports.
Maybe it's a seasonal thing and you never noticed. Pinot Noir always seems bland to me whether it is from WA, OR, CA, or even Burgundy during summer months. However, the varietal seems so much more palatable during the cold, icy winter months up here.
Ironically, I like the big reds during summer months because they seem to go well when the air-conditioning is cranked up... ;-)
Drink the Opus NOW! It's not the wine it used to be and is at its peak right now on those vintages, IMO.
I have read of studies that suggest there are similar health benefits from dark grape juice, not kidding.
Seriously--I wondered whether a pile of watered-down Kool Aid had been foisted upon us status post Sideways, which I haven't even seen.
I recall when Merlot became the chic wine. Didn't tough the stuff for about 4 years. Too much junk cranked out to keep the shelves stocked.
I haven't seen the movie either because I'm waiting for someone to buy me the DVD. Guess I'll just have to wait.
Well, you won't see it coming so that must be a relief. :)
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