Red Wine helps in preventing cancer

But for maximum benefits, sip don't gulp, research shows.
New research is uncovering the disease-prevention secrets of a polyphenol called resveratrol, one of compounds in red wine that seems to improve health. Although the benefits have been touted for years, researchers weren't sure how polyphenols, and resveratrol in particular, worked in the body.

Scientists are beginning to understand how resveratrol does its work. Possible mechanisms include:
• High doses of the compound may prevent cancer by increasing the process of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
• Low doses improve cardiac health by increasing cellular protection and reducing damage.
• Resveratrol may help remove very reactive oxidants in the body and improve blood supply to cells.
Scientists are also studying how the body absorbs resveratrol into the blood stream, since the compound is largely inactivated in the gut and liver.