Rochester researchers discovered that resveratrol, found in red wine, red and purple grape skins, and purple and red grape
juice can kill pancreatic cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
This is great news for those who want to prevent pancreatic cancer or help with its treatment once diagnosed.
The new study also showed that when the pancreatic cancer cells were doubly assaulted -- pre-treated with the antioxidant,
resveratrol, and irradiated -- the combination induced cell death, an important goal of cancer therapy.
The researchers suggest resveratrol not only reaches its intended target, injuring the nexus of malignant cells, but at
the same time protects normal tissue from the harmful effects of radiation.
According to the researchers, resveratrol seems to have a therapeutic gain by making tumor cells more sensitive to radiation
and making normal tissue less sensitive.
The discovery is critical because, like the cell nucleus, the mitochondria contains its own DNA and has the ability to
continuously supply the cell with energy when functioning properly. Stopping the energy flow theoretically stops the cancer.
Although red wine consumption during chemotherapy or radiation treatment has not been well studied, it is not "contraindicated," the
researchers said.
A better choice for all of us would be to drink as much red or purple grape juice as possible. Making it your drink
of choice wouldn't be a bad move, either. Drinking a glass or two of purple grape juice prior to having X-rays might be helpful,
too. Also consider snacking on red or purple grapes, and don't forget to eat all the skins!
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