News You Can Use

More proof that the gargle is good for what ails ye':

In research, which will be published in the British Journal of Nutrition this week, a team led by Dr Jeremy Spencer of Reading University, found that champagne has the same health benefits as previously found in red wine.

It contains polyphenol antioxidants, which are believed to reduce the effects of cell-damaging free radicals in the body. In particular, these antioxidants slow down the removal of nitric oxide from the blood, lowering blood pressure and therefore reducing the risk of heart problems and strokes.

Dr Spencer told a Sunday newspaper: "We have found that a couple of glasses a day has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels – which suggests champagne has the potential to reduce strokes and heart disease.

"It is very exciting news."

Indeed, although the fact of the matter is that I really don't much care for the champers - zee bubbles get up my nose and I usually end up with a very specific kind of monster headache as well. But I'm glad to see affirmation that sticking with the ol' reds produces the same effect.

Oh, and if you're on the wagon, you're not necessarily out of luck:

And the benefits are not limited to alcoholic drinks. Dr Spencer has also found high levels of the antioxidant in cocoa beans meaning a mug of hot cocoa before bedtime is just as good, but, as he points out, "it doesn't seem as much fun somehow".

Heh. I like the way Dr. Spencer thinks.