Red Wine in moderation has a Positive Effect on Health

Plato may have been wiser than he knew when he said, "Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine was ever granted by the Gods to man."

Recent studies show that drinking one glass of red wine every day may have certain health benefits. Research indicates that moderate red wine consumption may help protect against certain cancers, heart diseases. A positive effect on cholesterol levels and blood pressure is also observed.

The French Paradox

The French seem to know something about the health benefits of red wine. This may partially account for the "French paradox," where studies show that in areas of France where the diet is high in fat those who drink red wine with meals have a lower incidence of heart attack than other parts of the world.

Moderation is Key

The key to reaping the health benefits of red wine seems to be moderate consumption. Drinking one glass a day for women and up to two glasses a day for men may decrease the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke. Excessive or binge drinking, however, doesn't produce the same benefits. In fact it may produce some negative effect on our health.

Healing Powers of Antioxidants

The compounds found in red wine that are responsible for its healing powers are antioxidants. Red wines contain several antioxidants beneficial to good health. Different antioxidants have different functions, but the key feature of all these antioxidants appears to be one of protection and prevention of disease.

One of the most studied antioxidants in red wine is Resveratrol, a compound found in the seeds and skins of grapes. Red wine has a high concentration of Resveratrol because the skins and seeds ferment in the grapes' juices during the red wine-making process. This prolonged contact during fermentation produces significant levels of Resveratrol in the finished red wine.

Antioxidants, like Resveratrol, are beneficial in preventing harmful elements in the body from attacking healthy cells. The antioxidant properties of Resveratrol also offer certain health benefits in the prevention of heart disease and the reduction of lung tissue inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


The Phytoestrogen Effect

Resveratrol is also known as a phytoestrogen. Therefore, diets that include red wine may benefit certain conditions affected by a decrease in natural estrogen including menopause, breast cancer, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Moderate amounts of red wine, such as a glass per day, may provide enough Resveratrol to protect against estrogen depletion in the body.


Other Antioxidants

Red wine also contains other antioxidants. One of these antioxidants, a flavonoids known as catechin, is abundant in red wine and green tea. Research indicates that, along with Resveratrol, catechin plays an important role in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Saponins, found in red wine, olive oil and soybeans, offer protective benefits for the heart and are easily absorbed by the body. Yet another antioxidant present in red wine, called Quercetin, is being studied for its value in the prevention of lung cancer. Antioxidants act like warriors, preventing the oxidation process whereby reactive particles known as "free radicals" cause damage to healthy cells.


Heart Disease and Stroke

Studies show that Resveratrol has blood-thinning properties. By keeping individual blood cells ("platelets") from sticking to each other, Resveratrol can limit the formation of blood clots.


Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure

Another health benefit of Resveratrol is its ability to limit the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The oxidation of LDL is the first step to the production of plaques on the inside of the blood vessels.

Plaque is the primary cause of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. New studies show that the antioxidant saponin, also found in red wine, may aid in reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol. Any reduction in the levels of LDL, or in its oxidation, can potentially decrease the build up of plaque.



Preventing Future Heart Attacks

Another health benefit of Resveratrol is its ability to regulate nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas that enables smooth muscles to relax. This relaxation of the smooth muscle also occurs in the walls of the blood vessels and allows blood to flow smoothly through the vessel.

The results of a French study of men who had previous heart attacks indicate that the effects of Resveratrol, through moderate red wine consumption, may help prevent future heart attacks.



Excessive Alcohol Consumption Can Have Potentially Deadly Results

Excessive use or abuse of alcohol can contribute to increased levels of triglycerides in the blood that can then lead to heart disease. Other complications include osteoporosis, obesity, or liver damage.


Benefits of Moderate Drinking

Each individual must look at the benefits versus the risks of drinking. Consider factors like health status, age, sex and weight. And if you're a woman, be particularly vigilant to not drink while pregnant. Where the health benefits outweigh the risks, moderation is key. One glass per day for women, and up to two glasses for men may result in a thirty to fifty percent decrease in the risk of a heart attack.


…….Know more about healthy drinking read my latest book "Drinking how much is too much"


--
M M Sharma (09891171646)
Health Consultant
Half Marathoner
Author of the Books:
Slim & Fit For Life
High BP Tamed without Medicines
Drinking How Much is Too Mu