A daily glass of red wine could lower risk of polycystic ovaries, infertility in women

Monday, October 31, 2016 by: Vicki Batts
Tags: red wine, PCOS, infertility

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(NaturalNews) The health benefits of moderate red wine consumption have been heralded for the last several years. It can help prevent heart problems and reduce cancer risks, and some studies even indicate that it can help preserve brain function – provided you don't overindulge. New research has revealed that a compound found in red wine can also help reduce your risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, among other things. The compound may also help to address the hormone imbalance that is typically seen in affected women.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders seen in women. The Office on Women's Health, from the Department of Human Health and Services, estimates that approximately one out of every 10 women of child-bearing age is affected by PCOS. The syndrome is caused by imbalances in the reproductive hormones, which creates problems for the ovaries. The ovaries release an egg each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. For women with PCOS, this egg may not develop as it should, or it may not be released at all. This can contribute to or cause infertility – in fact, it is the leading cause of female infertility. The disruption of normal menses can also cause cysts to develop on the ovaries.

Scientists now believe that resveratrol, which is an antioxidant compound found in red wine (and other foods) has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce a woman's risk of developing PCOS. The new research was recently published by the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Dr. Antoni Duleba, the study's senior author from the University of California, said, "Our study is the first clinical trial to find resveratrol significantly lowers PCOS patients' levels of testosterone as well as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), another hormone that the body can convert into testosterone." He believes that resveratrol could help moderate hormone imbalances, which are an integral part of the condition.

To complete the study, a group of 30 women were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a group that received a resveratrol supplement, or a group that received a placebo. The participants were asked to take their supplement daily for three months. The researchers gathered blood samples from the study subjects at the beginning and end of the study, so that they could measure changes in testosterone and androgen. The women were also asked to participate in oral glucose tolerance testing to measure diabetes risk.

What the researchers found was that women who took the resveratrol supplements saw a shocking 31.8 percent decrease in their fasting blood glucose levels, suggesting that the nutrient provided a dramatic drop in diabetes risk.

The resveratrol group also had testosterone levels that fell by 23.1 percent, and DHEAS by 22.2 percent. Meanwhile, women taking the placebo saw their testosterone levels increase by 2.9 percent, and their DHEAS levels increase by 10.5 percent.

Dr. Duleba said, "The supplement may be able to help reduce the risk of metabolic problems common in women with PCOS." He also noted that the findings indicated that resveratrol could boost the body's ability to utilize insulin.

In addition to red wine, there are several other excellent sources of resveratrol that can easily be consumed, even by those who wish to abstain from alcohol. Grapes, of course, are an excellent source of this miraculous nutrient. Blueberries, peanuts and dark chocolate are also excellent choices.

Sources:

DailyMail.co.uk

WomensHealth.gov

LiveScience.com