Red Wine Good for Smokers, Scientists Find

Reuters ^ | 8-31-03 | Anon. Reuters Health Stringer

[Pharmboy]

VIENNA (Reuters) - If you must smoke, at least make sure you have a glass of red wine in the other hand.

Researchers said Sunday there were enough beneficial chemicals in two glasses of red wine to suspend the harmful effect that smoking one cigarette has on the functioning of arteries.

That does not prove regular red wine drinking can counteract the harm of chronic smoking, John Lekakis and Christos Papamichael of University Hospital in Athens told the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology.

But the finding does suggest that red wine -- long seen as good for the heart when drunk in moderation -- may provide clues in the hunt for new drug candidates capable of reversing smoking's harmful effects.

The scientists used a Greek red wine, rich in chemicals known as polyphenols, for their experiment on 16 healthy volunteers. They established that alcohol was not the cause of the beneficial effect by testing an alcohol-free version, which worked just as well.

[VadeRetro]

Hmmmm ... my wife smokes 2 packs per day, that means she would need to drink 80 glasses of wine???

That's 13.3333 bottles a day. Hint: avoiding pricey brand names will leave extra dollars in your wallet at the end of the week's shopping.

[Gabz]

I was half listening to the PHARMA shill on FOX this morning about this report - what a crock of bravo sierra he was spouting - then again, he has always done that if there is even a hint of anything having to do with tobacco.

Anyone denying there are no risks involved in the habit of smoking is delusional, I have never denied that and never will. Yet, there are also serious AND immediate risks associated with many other habits or past-times.

These people make me ill..................now, where did I put that beer????

[Gabz]

So smokers, pour some olive oil on your vegetables too.

I guess I have no problems. A one gallon tin doesn't even last a month in my house!!!! And I'm of Irish heritage............ go figger.

[Gabz]

These people are beyond idiots......

Eggsackerly!!!!!!!

[Gabz]

While I enjoy an ccosaional glass of wine, 90% of the time it is white - unless it is a really good Chianti.

Beyond that, I don't let go of my beer, except when I'm getting another one!!!!!!!!

BTW dropping a beer is alcohol abuse...................................

[Pharmboy]

Just don't let her drive...or if you do, let me know when she's on the road!

[dennisw]

You can buy a weighted vest that adds 20 lbs. That way you accomplish more/burn off more during your walk.

[SamAdams76]

What I'm going to start doing is carrying a backpack on some of my longer walks. I plan to do some serious hiking next summer (including climbing some of the White Mountains in New Hampshire) and want to get used to carrying a 20-25lb backpack with me. Now if only I could get my kids enthused about all this outdoors stuff. All they do now is roll their eyes when I ask them if they want to go hiking in the woods.

[dennisw]

Weighted vest is more pleasant than a backpack. I have walked with both. http://store.yahoo.com/titleboxing/titleboxing-weighted-vest.html

[Gabz]

All they do now is roll their eyes when I ask them if they want to go hiking in the woods.

Smart kids - they've been raised properly!!!!

[Mark Turbo]

Good choice. Simply Red is about the best wine I've ever had.

[Texan5]

Great news! I like wine, as long as it isn't sweet, but I'll still keep my beer.

[Cboldt]

Mount Adams is a nice hike (not as crowded as Washington). For Washington, definitely do Huntington Ravine.

It's likely a long drive for you (it is for me, and I'm north of Portland), but Katahdin is even better.

[Wonder Warthog]

"You can buy a weighted vest that adds 20 lbs. That way you accomplish more/burn off more during your walk."

Better to pump small handweights while walking (do a Google keyword search on "Heavyhands" or "Leonard Schwartz" or go borrow one of Schwartz's books from the library).

[Conspiracy Guy]

I do like Chianti but never after a beer. Since I start drinking beer during the drive home, usually 12 before I get home, I seldom get any Chianti ; )

[Conspiracy Guy]

Beer beer beer. Beer beer beer. Beer. Beer. Beer. Repeat.