Whiskey May Have Anti-Cancer Benefit

Daily News Central ^ | 05.09.05

[Coleus]

'Research has shown that there are even greater health benefits to people who drink single malt whiskies. Why? Single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine.' Drinking whisky can help protect you against cancer, a conference of international scientists have heard. Researchers have long hailed the anti-cancer properties of red wine due to its antioxidant content. Delegates at the EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow have now been told that whisky contains significantly higher levels of a powerful antioxidant that kills cancer cells. Dr. Jim Swan, an independent consultant to the worldwide drinks industry, discussed the art and science of whisky distilling, as well as its possible health benefits. "There has been much inthe news about the health benefits of antioxidants in red wine. "By contrast, very little has been said about malt whisky distillery science. "However, research has shown that there are even greater health benefits to people who drink single malt whiskies. Why? Single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine." Dr. Swan said that ellagic acid is a highly effective 'free radical scavenger' that actually 'absorbs' or 'eats up' rogue cells that occur in the body during eating. 'The free radicals can break down the DNA structure of our existing cells, which then leads to the risk of the body making replacement rogue cancer cells. "So, whether you indulge in the odd tipple, or you are a serious connoisseur, whisky can protect you from cancer and science proves it," he said. But Dr. Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "On the contrary, there is considerable data documenting the link between drinking excess alcohol and the increased risk of a number of cancers, particularly in smokers." © 2005 Birmingham Post; Birmingham (UK). All rights reserved. © 2005 Daily News Central. All rights reserved.

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[Coleus]

[Mr. Mojo]

Are these benefits exclusive to single malt whiskey?

[bayourod]

There was a study in the 80s that found that Dewers White Label was the only scotch that didn't contain a cancer causing ingredient.Since Old Smuggler taste identical. it probably doesn't either.

[Drew68]

Why, just this afternoon I bought a bottle of Connemara single malt Irish. It smells like ambrosia.

I do miss sipping on a quality single malt. Alas, I've had to eliminate alcohol consumption entirely from my life. Those were the years though!

[SIDENET]

LOL!

[livius]

Blackberries , Raspberries , Strawberries , Pomegranates , Walnuts

Maybe. But I'd rather have Scotch!

[Noumenon]

Laphroaig!

[Dinsdale]

There was a study in the 80s that found that Dewers White Label was the only scotch that didn't contain a cancer causing ingredient.

Bad science. If Dewers did'nt contain one particular cancer causing agent that was because they used a different wood in their barrels.

Anything exposed to charred wood WILL contain cancer causing chemicals. Dewers is no exception, not to mention a mediocre whiskey IMHO.

[aShepard]

...Alas, I've had to eliminate alcohol consumption entirely from my life...

Yeah, so has my wife. Now I'm forced to drink for the two of us! HIC!

[TheDon]

There should be a law against news story titles that use the word "may".

[Now_is_The_Time]

Great.... another excuse for alcoholics to continue destroying their families' lives.

[Drew68]

Great.... another excuse for alcoholics to continue destroying their families' lives.

If it wasn't this reason, there are millions of others. Alcoholics are masters at justifying their behavior.

[wtc911]

Proof positive that there is a God.

[LongElegantLegs]

Yes, all the alcoholics I knew became alcoholics for their health. (/sarc)
Lighten up; moderation in all things...

[bayourod]

"Dewers is no exception, not to mention a mediocre whiskey "

If I were the type to push the abuse button your heretical slander would compel me to do so.

Instead, I'll just have another Shiner Bock and sulk.

[ol' hoghead]

I always knew snakes were good for something. :-)

[ol' hoghead]

He also said he never drank anything stronger than buttermilk---------90 proof buttermilk. :-)

ol' hoghead

[Oldexpat]

Whiskey and red wine were my drinks..daily doses,,but it didn't prevent my cancer. I have survived and now stick mostly to red wine daily.

[ol' hoghead]

Happy you survived. In truth, I drink hot tea more than any other drink. Black teas for cardio-vascular benefit and green tea for it's cancer fighting antioxidants. A glass of red wine doesn't hurt either.

ol' hoghead

[Dinsdale]

You left off the IMHO.

Drink all the Dewers you want. Taste is'nt about being correct.

Leaves more Irish for me.