According to new research from Oregon State University, eating blueberries and drinking red wine might help people’s immune system fight infection.
According to new research from Oregon State University, drinking red wine and eating blueberries help people’s immune system fight infection.
Researchers studied the effects of 446 different chemicals on the human immune system, and found that resveratrol from red grapes, and pterostilbene in blueberries can enhance the body’s ability to fight sickness when they’re combined with Vitamin D.
Data from the study shows that the CAMP gene becomes more active to help the human immune system keep our bodies healthy when Vitamin D and either of these chemicals are ingested together.
Doctor Adrian Gombart, from Oregon State University, who led the research, said: “Out of a study of hundreds of compounds, just these two popped right out. Their synergy with vitamin D to increase CAMP gene expression was significant and intriguing.”
The study tested cells in a lab with the chemicals, so further research is required before it can be shown that ingesting wine and blueberries actually help immune system function.
Although past research indicates there may be health benefits to these chemicals, there has been little scientific evidence proving they have the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol and fight cancer.
