Vitamin supplements combat cancer

Vitamin supplements may help to slow the progress of some forms of cancer, scientists have claimed.

Several studies presented at a meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research show that supplements - ranging from ordinary multivitamins to specially formulated vegetable-based capsules - can have a positive impact in combating the disease.

In one study, Dr Omar Kucuk and colleagues at the LycoRed Natural Products in Beersheva, Israel, contained lycopene, the chemical that makes tomatoes red.

Lycopene, which survives cooking and is especially concentrated in tomato sauce and tomato paste, is a known antioxidant and a member of the carotenoid family of nutrients that include beta-carotene and vitamin A.

It cancels out the effects of free radicals, charged particles which damage the body's genetic material and can lead to cancer.

Source BBC News

Cabernet 'best for the heart'

A doctor has named what he thinks is the best wine for a healthy heart - Cabernet Sauvignon.

Scientists have long suggested that red wine can help cut the risk of heart disease, although the benefits seem to apply only to men over 40 and women after the menopause.

One study, however, suggests people as young as 33 can benefit from moderate alcohol consumption.

Dr Jean-Paul Broustet, of Haut Leveque Hospital in Pessac, southern France, made his claim in the UK medical journal, Heart.

He comes from the Bordeaux region - famed for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
He said the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes had high levels of resveratrol - which increases levels of "good" cholesterol and slows production of "bad" cholesterol.

"Bad" cholesterol - or low density lipoprotein - can block arteries and cause heart disease.

Source BBC News