Health Benefits Of Wine
Wine is commonly drank on many festive occasions. You think of wine being used in toasting for various celebrations. Wine is also commonly consumed with fine meals. A glass of wine can make a good meal great. But wine is not only a beverage for dinners or celebrations. Wine can also help you with your health. Some medical studies have shown that wine can be beneficial to one's health.
You may have heard of the 'French Paradox'. This is the finding that despite the rich, high fat foods eaten in France, the French do not experience the same incidence of coronary disease as in the United States. Experts attribute this to the regular consumption of wine in the French diet.
Studies have shown that moderate consumption of wine can decrease the risk of coronary disease or stroke. Moderate wine consumption may reduce the risk of death by cardiovascular disease by 36 percent, and lower the risk of death from cancer by 18-24%. The risk of other diseases may also be reduced by moderate consumption of wine, and possibly increase one's life expectancy.
Studies are still being done on the health benefits of wine, but the healthy properties of wine are thought to come from anti-oxidants called flavanoids. These substances help to prevent cell damage by free radicals. They also help to prevent hardening of the arteries. Another substance found in wine is reservatrol. Reservatrol has been shown to boost the immune system, block cancer, and protect against coronary diseases.
In addition to these anti-oxidants, the alcohol itself can have benefits as well. There are two types of cholesterol. There is HDL, or good cholesterol, and LDL, or bad cholesterol. Moderate amounts... let me repeat, moderate amounts of alcohol can raise the level of HDL cholesterol, and thin out the blood.
These substances are found to a certain extent in white wines, but to a greater extent in red wines. This has to do with how wine is made. After the grapes are pressed, the juice is removed immediately for white wines. But for red wines, the grape juice is left in contact with the stems and grape skins, where these flavanoids are located. This leaches the flavanoids into the grape juice, where they will be present when it is turned into wine.
So, what does this mean for you?
Moderate consumption of wine, one or two glasses a day for men, and one glass a day for women can help to reduce your risk of coronary diseases and cancer, and help you live longer. However, there are some instances in which you should not drink wine or any alcolholic beverages. If you are taking certain medications, then you should not drink alcohol. If you have any medical conditions that may be worsened by alcohol, then don't drink wine. Wine can be beneficial for your health, but under certain circumstances, it can also damage your health, so you would want to consult your doctor.
So, pour that glass of wine, and enjoy. You'll not only be enhancing your meal, you may also be improving your health, and lengthening your lifespan. Enjoy!
