Are There Health Benefits Associated with Wine?
While recently dining out with some good friends, I noticed that “Jane” was not drinking her usual white wine. She was, in fact, drinking red wine. This would not be unusual except for the fact that Jane has complained more than once that she doesn’t like the taste of red wine.
As it turns out my friend, who is an information junky, had recently read that research has shown benefits of drinking red wine to one’s health, specifically, beneficial to the heart.
Jane is actually correct - there have been several studies reporting that red wine (in moderation - one glass per day for women and two for men) does produce some health benefits.
I’ve read studies dealing specifically with Mediterranean countries. The studies’ participants all had high fat diets but low LDL (bad) cholesteral and high HDL (good) cholesteral. They also reported lowered blood pressure. Researchers found that what each participant had in common was the fact that they all drank red wine in moderation.
It is thought that resveratrol and flavonoids, two antioxidants found in the seeds and skin of the red wine grape (also included in fermentation, unlike white wine) are responsible for these health benefits.
It is thought that resveratrol raises HDL cholesterol, which helps to prevent blood clots. Flavonoids help to reduce blood clots as well, in addition to preventing plaque from forming in one’s arteries.
New studies, however, including both white wine and other types of alcohol, have shown similar results. One study even suggested the benefits of white wine to red, because the molecules in white wine are smaller than in red and can be more easily absorbed in the body.
Isn’t it wonderful when we discover health benefits to what has been traditionally known as a bad habit (drinking). Yes, it’s great but there is plenty of reason to make sure one is drinking alcohol only in moderation.
Each and every study I read stressed that alcohol ONLY in moderation produced beneficial results. In fact, overindulging in alcohol consumption causes far more health problems than benefits.
Alcohol abuse leads to addition, weight gain (including obesity), high blood pressure and damages major organs (including your heart). If you don’t drink, there are better ways to lower blood pressure. If you drink in moderation - great, stick to that.
If weight loss or lowered blood pressure is your goal, I recommend two products: My Weight Loss Breeze program and my High Blood Pressure program. They have produced phenomenal results for my clients without negative side effects.
EL331002