Monday, December 31, 2001

Why red wine is healthier

Scientists may have discovered the reason why red wine appears to protect the heart.
Numerous studies have suggested that moderate alcohol drinking helps to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.

The so-called "Mediterranean diet", which includes a larger intake of wine, has been credited with lower rates of heart disease in those countries, despite a higher intake of saturated fats. However, there is no clear evidence that red wine is any better than any other alcoholic drink.

But a team of scientists from Barts and the London School of Medicine, and the Queen Mary University in London, may have found a mechanism which points to the benefits of red wine.
They say it appears to interfere with the production of a body chemical which is vital to the process which clogs up arteries and increases the risk of a heart attack.


Source BBC News

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Safety fears over herbal remedy

A popular herbal remedy could be removed from shelves across the UK following fears over its safety.
The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) has written to associations representing herbal practitioners asking them if they will agree to stop selling and supplying Kava-kava temporarily.
It follows the withdrawal of the product in Germany and reports that it has been linked with six cases of liver failure and one death on mainland Europe.

Kava-kava is used extensively as a treatment for anxiety and ailments affecting the bladder and digestive tracts.

The MCA is currently considering whether the product should be banned in the UK but has asked all those who may sell or supply Kava-kava to agree to a temporary withdrawal while it considers its position.

According to the MCA, several UK companies have agreed to voluntarily suspend marketing of the product as a precautionary measure.

Source BBC News