A study suggests that astronauts could benefit from consuming red wine and dark chocolate to cope with the physical stress of space travel. Flavonols found in these foods help keep the immune system functioning properly in space, and other chemicals like quercetin, zinc, magnesium, and catechins can also benefit astronauts' immune systems.
Key Points
Flavonols in red wine and dark chocolate can help maintain astronauts' immune systems in space
Other chemicals like quercetin, zinc, magnesium, and catechins also benefit astronauts' immune systems
Studies are being conducted to create 'space nutraceuticals' for future astronaut diets
Pros
Flavonols in red wine and dark chocolate can help astronauts cope with the physical stress of space travel
Quercetin and other chemicals found in these foods have been shown to reverse immune system problems caused by microgravity
Studies are being conducted to create 'space nutraceuticals' for future astronaut diets
Cons
Space travel can have various negative impacts on human health, including muscle atrophy, frail bones, weakened eyesight, and kidney stones
Certain chemicals found in space can reshape the kidneys and cause kidney stones