We all hear about the benefits of drinking wine, yet rarely do we understand what in wine is good for us.
Resveratrol is an important ingredient of the grape that gives wine its health benefit. Its not all about taste and a buzz u know. Resveratrol is also found peanuts and other plants that help to block the influenza (flu) virus.[1]

According to this study, viruses send signals to our immune systems, causing it to not respond properly. This is done by signals being sent to our command center within the body. Resveratrol was shown to intercept these signals, impeding the virus' ability to build, carry and assemble viral proteins. In a nutshell, resveratrol slows the virus down from spreading further. Remember, resveratrol is found NATURALLY in grapes, not in wine.

Resveratrol was tested against the flu virus by treating cells with this compound after the infection. Resveratrol was added to the infected cells six hours after the infection and was continued for 24 hours. From this point, scientist discovered that resveratrol interferes when the proteins are building into new viruses.

Further study revealed that the proteins were created, yet not sent out to the site of the virus. In short, the duplication of the virus within the cells was severely impeded. The mailman went out to deliver the mail, yet never got out around to actually placing the mail in our mailboxes.

This experiment was done on mice, where those infected with influenza were given resveratrol. The survival rate increased from 20% to 40%, literally doubling the survival rate. Also, the flu virus in the animals lungs was reduced by 98% in comparison to mice that recieved the placebo, which is really a pill or prescription with water.

In short, we want the beneficial effects resveratrol found in grapes and not that of wine, which has resveratrol and a host of sugars and artificial sulfites in it as well. Wine and/or alcohol kills cells while resveratrol is a healing agent for our cells.


[1] Palamara AT, Inhibition of influenza A virus replication by resveratrol, Journal of Infectious Disease. Jounral of Infesctious Diseases, May 15, 2005, 191(10):1719-29