Is red wine good for you?

Answer 1

The health effects of wine (and alcohol in general) are the subject of considerable ongoing study. In the USA, a boom in red wine consumption was touched off in the 1990s by '60 Minutes', and other news reports on the French paradox.

It now seems clear that regular consumption of up to 1-2 drinks a day (1 standard drink is approximately equal to 5 oz, or 125 ml, of 13% wine) does reduce mortality, due to a 10%–40% lower risk of coronary heart disease, especially for those over the age of 35 or so (see Alcohol consumption and health). Originally, the effect was observed with red wine. Compounds, known as polyphenols, are found in larger amounts in red wine, and there is some evidence that these are especially beneficial. One particularly interesting polyphenol antioxidant found in red wine is resveratrol, to which numerous beneficial effects have been attributed. Red wine also contains a significant amount of flavonoids and red anthocyanin pigments that act as antioxidants. With excessive consumption, however, any health benefits may be offset by the increased rate of various alcohol-related diseases, primarily cancers of mouth, upper respiratory tract, and ultimately, cirrhosis of liver, especially if consumption of red wine is immoderate.

Other studies have shown that similar beneficial effects on the heart can be obtained from drinking beer, and distilled spirits. However, recent studies show that only red wine reduces the risk of contracting several types of cancer where beer and other alcoholic beverages show no change. Dr. Sinclair of Harvard University and others claim that resveratrol is the active molecule responsible for the significant difference in lowering cancer risks and that the required amounts are only found in red wine. Trace amounts of resveratrol exist in grapes, white and red wine and peanuts.

Sulfites (or sulphites) are chemicals that occur naturally in grapes and also are added to wine as a preservative. They can trigger a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction in a small percentage of consumers, primarily asthmatics. In the USA nearly all commercially produced wine, including that with no added sulfites, is required to state on the label "contains sulfites." In other countries they do not have to be declared on the label, leading to a common mistaken belief that only wine from the USA contains sulfites. Many consumers who have adverse reactions to wine, such as headaches or hangovers, blame added sulfites but are probably reacting instead to naturally-occurring biogenic amines such as histamine. The quantity of sulfites in a glass of wine is the same as in a serving of dried apricots.

Answer 2

Some coworkers have been talking about how everyone should drink wine for their health! Is it true that drinking wine is now good for you? How much is good?

Signed,

Nondrinker

Dear Nondrinker,

Drinking wine for good health seems to be getting all the press instead of healthier alternatives, probably because it's an intoxicating beverage.

However, there have been studies supporting intake of nonalcoholic beverages such as grape juice, cranberry juice, or tea with lower incidence of cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.

Support for moderate consumption of wine, 1-2 glasses, and a decrease in coronary heart disease first came to public attention via the "60 Minutes" report on the "French Paradox" (www.cbsnews.com). The French had a lower incidence of coronary heart disease despite their diet high in fat. One possible reason given for the low rate of coronary heart disease in France was the French habit of drinking wine with meals. Antioxidants such as flavonoids or resveratrol are in grapes. Resveratrol lowers the "bad" LDL cholesterol, but elevates the "good" HDL cholesterol levels.

However, University of Pennsylvania researchers found smaller food portions may explain the 'French Paradox' of rich cuisine and slender population. The researchers noted that food portions are significantly smaller in French restaurants and supermarkets than in their American counterparts (see www.upenn.edu).

Beverages High in Resveratrol

Red wines have a higher level of resveratrol than white wines. In particular, the red wine, pinot noir, has about twice as much as other reds.

For people who do not want to drink alcohol, there are alternatives. Some research has pointed out that cranberry juice, red or purple grape juice work as well, maybe better, than red wine. However, fresh grapes do not have as high a concentration of antioxidants as processed grape juice or wine.

Although some health food stores sell resveratrol as a nutritional supplement., more research needs to be done on this supplement to see if it has the same benefits as wine or grape juice.

In addition, other studies indicate that black or green tea may be more beneficial than wine in reducing heart disease as well as cancer and other diseases.

Note, 2 cups of tea have approximately the equivalent antioxidant as 2 glasses of purple grape juice, or 2 glasses of red wine, or 12 glasses of white wine.

However, tea, grape juice, or wine consumption doesn't take the place of a healthy lifestyle which should include exercise, no smoking, low fat foods, and lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and water.

Answer 3

Yes, red wine is good for you in moderation. However, there are times when we are human & chuck moderation out the window which results in imbibing more than what is considered moderate & then your mate says red wine is good. If you know what I mean. So, I guess, in conclusion, red wine is good for you & your mate ... YES! red wine is good.

Answer 4

In moderation. One glass of red wine per day is supposed to help prevent clogging of the arteries and heart disease.

Answer 5

Definitely YES!
Otherwise it would not be around for 10,000 years! In my home island, Crete, people make wine continuously for thousands of years, eat healthy and live long, are happy, get educated, enjoy life! The least heart attacks worldwide, etc.!

Answer 6

Excellent. It helps keep the arteries clear of fatty buildups (thus preventing or at any rate moderating the chances of a heart attack). It's great when cooking coq au vin, and it gives you a pleasant buzz.

Answer 7

For me no, however for normal people it helps with the blood structure particularly red blood cells and platelets

Answer 8

1 or maybe 2 glasses a day.

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Answer 10

Have a look here and follow the links

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2232934.stm

Bottoms up