Keisha Brown, Health Writer
Have you ever gone to a party, had one too many glasses of wine, and were hobbled by a hangover the next morning? Excess may be a killer but a controlled regimen of red-wine consumption could enrich life and keep you heart-healthy.
Current research suggests that enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner each evening could be providing you with more than just a little relaxation. In fact, in 1992, Harvard researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of the "eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk".
Today, research suggests that red wine specifically, is the most beneficial alcoholic beverage for your heart.
Antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes have been attributed to a protective effect on the heart. The antioxidants (called flavonoids) reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in the following ways:
By reducing production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (bad cholesterol). By raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol). By reducing blood clotting.The antioxidant resveratrol, present in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumour development in some cancers. Further studies suggest that resveratrol aids in the formation of nerve cells, which may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Now that you're armed with this information, you may have a few questions. Let me help.
Which wines should I drink to gain the most heart-protective benefits?
In order of wines with the most heart-protective benefits:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Petit Syrah
3. Pinot Noir
4. Merlot
5. Red Zinfandel
How much red wine should I drink?
One serving is equivalent to a four-ounce glass of wine. Men will benefit from one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per day to reap maximum benefit.
Should I drink if I have other health problems?p>Recommendations to consume moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. Also, persons who are alcoholics should lay off the stuff until they're able to exercise greater control and discipline, or just give it up totally.
Will non-alcoholic red wine give me the same benefits?
Yes, non-alcoholic red wine contains the same antioxidant profile as red wine.
Although the research is less extensive, some studies indicate that beer provides distinct health benefits as well. Early research suggests that it helps to protect bone-mineral density, and the hops that give beer its bitter taste contain B vitamins.
So, the evidence seems clear that moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, is beneficial to your health. So, here's a toast to your health! Cheers!
According to researchers at the University of California.
