Researchers at the Institute of Food Science Research in Madrid have been investigating the molecular mechanisms that give wine its neuroprotective properties, as it has been known for years that moderate wine intake can be beneficial in delaying the onset of cognitive impairment seen in aging and neurodegenerative disease. But instead of looking at the wine directly, the researchers chose to look at wine molecules after it had passed through the stomach, dubbed wine-derived human gut metabolites.
They collected these metabolites from urine and feces of individuals who consume wine on a regular to moderate basis, then added them to human cells under stressful conditions that normally lead cells to neuronal cells dysfunction and death, commonly seen in the early stages of neurodegenerative disease. What they found was that these metabolites protected cells from dying due to stressful conditions.
Most surprising was the observance of these metabolites having an effect on different points in the cell signaling cascade responsible for cell death, with the researchers concluding that the exact composition of the wine metabolites—which is dependent bacterial breakdown in the gut—is important in this neuronal cell protection.
“In other words, differences in our gut microbiota are leading to the different metabolites. Which underpins the idea that humans benefit from food in different ways. This individual difference is a factor not to be neglected to understand the health effects of certain foods. We are now in need to advance our understanding of the effect of diet in the promotion of normal brain function,” said Dr. Esteban-Fernández from the Institute of Food Science Research.
The researchers stress that they are not advocating for the replacement proven medications, but they want to raise awareness that certain food compounds are responsible for health benefits. The inclusion of moderate amounts of wine can have a protective effect against particular neurodegenerative diseases, but if the bacteria in the gut of a particular person does not exist—as seen in those who don’t already have a healthy diet—these protective effects may not occur.
Dr. Esteban-Fernández concludes by saying, “I am really aware about the importance of a healthy diet enriched in vegetables, fruits, and reduced industrial saturated fats. Although I try to maintain my dietary habits as good as possible, I think it is also important to not get too obsessed. Society is nowadays full of false myths about diet, and it is the role of both science and media to avoid the spread of these rumors, as well as make people aware of the importance of diet for your health.”
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