A glass a day, keeps the doctor away

Forget apples, have a glass of red instead. It could just save your life.

Numerous studies suggest that the benefits of a glass of red wine a day go beyond the relaxing affect. In fact, red wine has been linked with all sorts of health benefits over the years: the lungs, prevention of breast cancer, prostate cancer, tooth decay, longevity and general well being. The largest benefit however, appears to go to your heart. The cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes used to produce wine.

An active ingredient in a red grape's skin is a phenolic compound called resveratrol. This apparently reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), while at the same time upping one's good cholesterol (HDL). There are higher levels of resveratrol in red wine compared to white wine due to longer contact with the grape skins during fermentation and subsequent extraction time (and longer equals better).

The chemical component in red wine that gets you tipsy may also play a part, perhaps a bigger part, in reducing heart disease. Research has also indicated that alcohol consumed regularly in moderation also aids in boosting the good HDL cholesterol and reducing the bad LDL. It also generates anti-coagulants to discourage the blood clotting which will raise heart attack and stroke risks. Another factor to consider is the relaxing mood effect that alcohol can provide as well. Stress can trigger cardiac events and the tonic potency of alcohol can reduce stress.

Additionally, antioxidants on a whole are attributed to cancer prevention. It is the compound resveratrol found in red wine that carries the anit-cancer properties. So yet another reason to reach for the bottle.

The flip side however, is the level of moderation. Abuse of alcohol, has a more unfortunate outcome. Obesity, liver disease, high blood pressure and an increase in the risk or cancer. In fact, the potential dangers of excessive alcohol consumption almost exactly mirrors the benefits of moderate consumption. So it's not so much reach for the bottle, as pour yourself a glass. In order to reap the benefits of red wine, the key is moderation. The general  consensus being that 'moderation' equates to one glass for a woman, two glasses for a man, although this could depend on body size.

And which of those fine looking reds would benefit you the most? Apparently those with the highest concentration of antioxidants - the number one being Cabernet Sauvignon, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir.

So after a hard days works at the office, put your feet up, relax and unwind with a glass of red. I'll drink to that anyhow.

published 3 years ago

Karen

157 points