[Paleopsych] AFP: Single malt whisky 'can protect you from cancer', conference told

[Premise Checker]

Single malt whisky 'can protect you from cancer', conference told
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050508/hl_afp/healthbritaincancer
5.5.8

LONDON (AFP) - Single malt whisky can beat the threat of cancer, thanks
to high levels of a powerful antioxidant that kills cancer cells, a
medical conference in Scotland was told.

Jim Swan, an independent consultant to the global drinks industry, said
that, according to research, single malt whisky contains "more ellagic
acid than red wine".

Swan, a doctor, told the EuroMedLab 2005 conference explained that
ellagic acid is an effective "free radical scavenger" that "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," he said.

"So, whether you indulge in the odd tipple, or you are a serious
connoisseur, whisky can protect you from cancer -- and science proves
it."

Lesley Walker of Cancer Research UK was dubious.

"There is considerable data documenting the link between drinking excess
alcohol and the increased risk of a number of cancers, particularly in
smokers," she said.

"Ellagic acid is a powerful antioxidant, but that does not mean it is
necessary to hit the bottle," she said, noting that the ellagic acid can
also be found in soft fruits.

The EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow, hosted by the Association of
Clinical Biochemists, runs until Thursday, with more than 3,000
researchers, doctors and science and technology companies expected to
attend.