Inner Health

The Benefits Of Red Wine

Nothing quite beats a night at home with a great DVD, some spaghetti, good company and a bottle of red (or two). But it's the next day when you think "alcohol is bad for me" that the shine of your great night at home dulls a little isn't it? Well you know how people say red wine is good for you? They're not in denial. It really is... here's why...

Heart Protection
Many studies investigated the benefits of red wine suggested that moderate amount of red wine (one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men) lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by, 30 to 50 percent. It is also suggested that alcohol such as red wine may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered from one. Other studies also indicated that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) from forming. Indeed, studies showed that people from the Mediterranean region who regularly drank red wine have lower risks of heart disease.

Why?
Red wine is a particularly rich source of antioxidants flavonoid phenolics, so many studies to uncover a cause for red wine's effects have focused on its phenolic constituents, particularly resveratrol and the flavonoids. Resveratrol, found in grape skins and seeds, increases HDL cholesterol and prevent blood clotting. Flavonoids, on the other hand, exhibit antioxidant properties helping prevent blood clots and plaques formation in arteries.

So should I drink a bottle a day?
In a word. Studies showed that alcohol drinking may result in weight gain due to its empty calories. Other studies also suggested that alcohol consumption is associated with cancer risk. The American Heart Association cautions people not start drinking if they do not already drink alcohol. If you already drink alcohol, do so in moderation. One to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, is recommended.