'Research has shown that there are even greater health benefits to people who drink single malt whiskies. Why? Single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine.'

Delegates at the EuroMedLab 2005 conference in Glasgow have now been told that whisky contains significantly higher levels of a powerful antioxidant that kills cancer cells.

Dr. Jim Swan, an independent consultant to the worldwide drinks industry, discussed the art and science of whisky distilling, as well as its possible health benefits.

"There has been much inthe news about the health benefits of antioxidants in red wine.

"By contrast, very little has been said about malt whisky distillery science.

"However, research has shown that there are even greater health benefits to people who drink single malt whiskies. Why? Single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine."

Dr. Swan said that ellagic acid is a highly effective 'free radical scavenger' that actually '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.

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

But Dr. Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: "On the contrary, there is considerable data documenting the link between drinking excess alcohol and the increased risk of a number of cancers, particularly in smokers."

© 2005 Birmingham Post; Birmingham (UK). All rights reserved.
© 2005 Daily News Central. All rights reserved.