ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, January 10, 1997 TAG: 9701100095
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
A new suggestion from cancer researchers is: Go for the grapes.
In searching for chemicals that can prevent cancer, scientists in Chicago have found that ordinary grapes contain resveratrol, a possible anti-cancer agent.
The chemical also is found, in smaller amounts, in wine, but because of the overuse of alcohol, the researchers think the best source is just a bunch of grapes, especially red ones.
``Of all the plants we've tested, and all the compounds we've seen, this one has the greatest promise'' as a natural weapon to protect against cancer, said pharmacologist John Pezzuto, of the University of Chicago. Resveratrol was found in more than 70 types of plants, but it is especially prominent in grapes. The report appears in this week's issue of Science magazine.
Grapes are not the first fruits or vegetables reputed as protective against cancer. Studies have shown that the cruciferous vegetables - including cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts - contain sulforathanes, which spur enzymes to detoxify carcinogenic chemicals.
- Newsday
LENGTH: Short : 30 linesby CNB