Cheers

A recent study in the International Journal of Cancer shows that moderate consumption of red wine effectively reduces the risk of prostate cancer by a whopping 50-60%. For men who consumed 4 or more 4 oz. glasses of wine per week, there was a 60% reduction in the most aggressive type of prostate cancer. Note, however that the amount tested adds up to no more than two full glasses of wine per week (4 US fl.oz.= 1/2 a cup). So, this is far from a blank check.

So, how can alcohol be good for you?, one asks. Red wine contains a natural compound found in its grape skins called resveratrol. Resveratrol is in a class of antibiotic compounds produced as a part of a plant's defense system against disease, and tests show that it may inhibit cancer-causing activities by reducing inflammation.

Many scientists, however, are reasonably reluctant to condone mass wine consumption. "I don't plan to encourage patients who don't drink to start. . .," says Dr. Tia Higano, Prostate Cancer Specialist & Associate Professor at the University of Washington. Wise words, especially since there are more options for a healthier you.

Why does this any of this preventative health information matter? Two reasons, one reason is that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men over age of 65, but all men are at risk. Secondly, Black men are at more than 2 times greater risk of getting this disease as white males, but are less likely to have the no-sweat Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood assay to detect it. Any information to change this trend and its toll is pure gold--or should I say RED.

Tonight, along with or instead of red wine, try pizza--or any entree made with cooked tomatoes, for the surprising reason that tomatoes cooked with olive oil have very high levels of another touted cancer-killer and phenomenal anti-oxidant called lycopene. Anti-oxidants block free-radical oxygen

damage to tissues in your body. This blocking effect is essential to combat tumor formation, since tumor growth depends upon cell damage. Lycopene is the compund that gives a tomato its red color; it is also found in papaya, red peppers, pink grapefruits, watermelon, wheat germ, whole grains, mango & leafy greens. In a Harvard Medical School study, men who ate 10 or more servings of these foods weekly were 45% less likely to develop prostate cancer. When taken in conjunction with Vitamin E, studies have shown that there is as much as a 73% reduction in tumor growth by the 42nd day of trials. These are really astounding figures for such a simple act. So, if you love rich tomato sauces, this is your lucky life. Now, watch how the third element of the action pack rounds out this fantastic list.

Gentlemen, please join me for tea. Green tea contains flavonoids, which are a family of protective phytochemicals that also act as anti-oxidants. It is said that optimal consumption of green tea for good health is when it is freshly brewed and steeped for 3-5 minutes. Multiple cups can be beneficial as well. So drink up, hold to moderation, and be healthy.