CHEERS ..GOOD HEALTH; Whisky can prevent gout and arthritis.

Byline: By Michael Christie

A SHOT of Scotch does take away aches and pains, scientists have found Japanese researchers have discovered that moderate whisky drinking could prevent gout and arthritic conditions.

Last month, a medical conference in Glasgow heard how whisky can protect against cancer.

Now a team at the University of Shizuoka have found that maturing whisky in oak sherry barrels produces other health benefits.

It combines with ingredients in the wood during its long storage to produce ellagic acid - a chemical known to have medicinal qualities.

Yesterday, Campbell Evans, of the Scottish Whisky Association, said' Whisky was named by the Gaels as the water of life and well deserves its name.

'Ellagic acid is known to be present in whisky and therefore it has a beneficial knock-on effect.

'We don't think you should be switching to drink whisky because of any health-giving properties, but equally if you choose to drink whisky, you will get the benefit.' # AN Aberdeen University team have cloned marine life DNA for the first time, opening the door to the production of cancer-fighting drugs

CAPTION(S):

WATER OF LIFE: Whisky