A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away
What are the health benefits of drinking red wine?
For over 10 years, research has indicated that moderate intake of alcohol
improves cardiovascular health. In fact, in 1992 Harvard researchers included
moderate alcohol consumption as one of the "eight proven ways to reduce
coronary heart disease risk." However, research has suggested that
specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The
cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin
and seeds of red grapes.
Recently, researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be
beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant
resveratrol, which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumor
development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in
the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the
treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Which wines should you consume to reap the most benefits?
Researchers at the University of California, at Davis tested a variety of wines
to determine which types have the highest concentrations of flavonoids. Their
results concluded that the flavonoid favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed
closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. Both Merlots and red zinfandels have
fewer flavonoids than their more potent predecessors. White wine had
significantly smaller amounts than the red wine varieties. The bottom line is
the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavonoids. Dryer red wines are your best
bet for a flavonoid boost.
How much red wine should I drink?
A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving. Men will benefit from
consuming one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per
day to reap the maximum benefits. This is not to say that you should start
drinking alcohol if you presently do not. Occasional or binge drinkers have
higher mortality rates than those who drink moderately on a regular basis. In
those who consume three or more drinks per day, there is an increased risk for
elevated serum triglycerides (fat in the bloodstream). Long-term, excessive
alcohol consumption can damage nerve cells, the liver and the pancreas. Heavy
drinkers are also at risk for malnutrition, as alcohol may substitute for more
nutritious foods.
What if I have other health problems?
Recommendations to consume moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals
with a clean bill of health. It is clear that people with medical and social
conditions worsened by alcohol should not consume any alcohol at all.
Hypertryglyceridemia, pancreatitis, liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension,
depression and congestive heart failure are diseases that may be worsened by
alcohol. Those individuals at risk for these conditions should consult with
their physician before consuming any alcohol at all.
What about grape juice and non alcoholic red wine?
In 1997, researchers at the University of Wisconsin concluded that purple grape
juice also reduced blood clotting. Another study by researchers at University of
California at Davis, confirmed the findings that non alcoholic red wine contains
the same antioxidant profile as red wine. However in a 1998 study, Japanese
researchers found that while grape juice still had antioxidative benefits, it
did not significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to red wine.
The debate continues on whether it is the components of the wine, the way the
wine is consumed, or the lifestyle traits that is the most responsible for the
long healthy lives of many wine drinkers. However, the evidence seems clear that
regular, moderate consumption of red wine is beneficial to your health.
Does it matter if it's red wine or white wine?
Drinking either red wine or white wine will increase the HDL, or good,
cholesterol. However, red wine contains much higher levels of powerful phenolic
antioxidants than white wine does. These phenolic antioxidants found in red wine
will help to keep your LDL, or bad, cholesterol levels healthy and will also
help to reduce the blood clotting ability of the blood. Both of these actions
will help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
On the down side, drinking either red or white wine may increase homocysteine
levels, which is not good, however increasing intake of vitamin B6 may
counteract that effect.
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