Pinot Noir & Cancer Prevention

Fine Oregon Pinot NoirIn general, we’re particularly mindful of our health in January, as we start a fresh year with new resolutions. It seems that many resolutions concern our health: I RESOLVE TO work out three times a week, eat my vegetables, lose 10 pounds …

How about a resolution to drink a glass of red wine each day? By now, we’ve all heard that red wine, consumed moderately (remember that), can not only maintain healthy heart function, but suppress the development of cancer, as well. If you’re interested in the science behind red wine’s inhibition of cancer growth, the National Cancer Institute has compiled this easy-to-read fact sheet.

Red wine has certainly been recognized as a good source of resveratrol, which begs the question: “Which type or varietal of red wine contains the highest level of resveratrol?”

Extensive research by Cornell’s LeRoy Creasy points to Pinot Noir. Grown most successfully in cooler, wetter climates with challenging growing conditions, this thin-skinned varietal biologically produces more resveratrol as its line of defense against temperature fluctuations, fungi, and bacteria (to name a few). Read a great (and fun) article on Pinot Noir and resveratrol here.

Remember always to enjoy red wine in moderation, as a part of your healthy diet and lifestyle. And cheers to a resolution that’s easy to keep.