Wine Health Information

Question: What are the benefits of wine health wise?

(Posted by: Jec on 2006-05-02 17:31:08)

Posted by: goker88 on 2006-05-02, 17:45:43

Current research suggests that a glass of red wine each day may be providing you with more than just a little relaxation. What are the health benefits of drinking red wine? For over 10 years, research has indicated that moderate intake of alcohol improves cardiovascular health. In fact, in 1992 Harvard researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of the "eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk. " However, research has suggested that specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Scientists believe the antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in three ways: *by reducing production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also know as the "bad " cholesterol) *by boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol) *by reducing blood clotting. Furthermore, consuming a glass of wine along with a meal may favorably influence your lipid profiles following that meal. Recently, researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant resveratrol, which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Researchers at the University of California, at Davis tested a variety of wines to determine which types have the highest concentrations of flavonoids. Their results concluded that the flavonoid favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. Both Merlots and red zinfandels have fewer flavonoids than their more potent predecessors. White wine had significantly smaller amounts than the red wine varieties. The bottom line is the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavonoids. Dryer red wines are your best bet for a flavonoid boost. How much red wine should I drink? A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving. Men will benefit from consuming one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per day to reap the maximum benefits.

Posted by: Sake.simon on 2006-05-02, 17:36:02

Red or white? Red is more healthy then white because of the stuff extra inside. Even more healthy is Sake because it does not contain sulfides

Posted by: ridingsovey24 on 2006-05-02, 17:47:43

Interestingly enough, I've heard that wine MAY lower cholesterol as long as you don't drink it in excessive amounts or abuse the drinking use of it. It has most of the same properties and benefits as grape juice has. It is also said that it reduces the death rate by 30%. I hope this helps answer your question.

Posted by: reghoney on 2006-05-02, 18:22:08

Yes, and I see that it says ONE glass/ serving of wine. Not 6 or 7 like me.

Posted by: guyinpennsylvania on 2006-05-03, 11:03:29

I think it's supposed to lower blood pressure

Posted by: bubb1e_gir1 on 2006-05-03, 11:23:43

Red wine is supposedly good for the heart but only if taken in small amounts. When they say a glass a day, they are talking about 6 fl oz, which is the standard for red. Back in the day, wine was drunk because it helps flush the system apparently (and because the local water supply was also most likely the garbage dump as well as the sewer plant)

Posted by: ucd_grad_2005 on 2006-05-03, 11:54:08

Red wine has antioxidants in it that can help prevent some cancers and has benefits for the heart. But that's in moderation. Too much wine will start to effect the liver due to the alcohol content. en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/ Red_wine#Medical_implications

Posted by: ennaej on 2006-05-03, 11:57:12

Um red wine reduces the risk of heart attack.

Posted by: doctorashkan on 2006-05-03, 12:07:50

Antioxidants of the grape seed and its skin, contain a blood thinning charactersitic that serves to clean up certain unwanted subsatnces and make them permeable to garbage disposal of the body.

Posted by: anjee on 2006-05-03, 12:26:08

Its healthy and digestive.

Posted by: ibrox on 2006-05-03, 12:33:47

Since the 1992 Harvard study goker88 mentioned it has been confirmed that the flavinoids can likewise be found in grape juice, the grapes themselves, and virtually any red fruit, including raspberries and strawberries. The health effects ONLY come from red or similar dark wines. Overconsumption still reduces cholesterol, but also has the tendency to weaken the cariovascular cellular stuctures such that the risk of heart failure is again increased, such that one glass and only one glass is recommended if not entirely replaced by fresh fruit or juice. Fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries, cherries, raspberries) are by far the best option, also contributing the additional benefits of dietary fiber and nutrients otherwise lost in the juicing and fermentation processes.

Posted by: irontapout on 2006-05-03, 12:38:35

Really do hate to be a spoilsport, but . . . there are no health benefits to drinking red wine, or dark beers, or any other alcoholic beverages. Remember that alcohol is very toxic to your body, and your body takes extreme measures to remove alcohol, which is why people urinate so much when drinking. It is true that there are antioxidants, polyphenols, and other active chemicals that are beneficial to your health in some alcoholic beverages, but you can get those same chemicals from eating berries, vegetables, and whole grains. Anything with alcohol stresses your liver and kidneys, and causes you to dehydrate. Most of what is reported is press hype. The lay press does not understand medicine/ medical research to effectively report the effects of alcohol on people. Some people refer to European cultures who drink significant quantities of red wine and who have low incidence of cardiac disease, obesity, and diabetes. However, Europeans live a very different life from Americans: they eat less food, eat healthier food, and have a more relaxed attitude towards work and life, so there is also less stress. Go very easy when drinking any form of alcohol. It is more important to eat whole foods and to find ways to relax, which is the best medicine of all.

Posted by: pixxie179 on 2006-05-03, 13:07:51

Supposedly an 8 oz glass of red wine a day is good for the heart.

Posted by: shy24782002 on 2006-05-03, 13:19:40

Moderate use of alcohol in general may help to decrease risk of death for people at risk for heart disease. It can also decrease blood pressure as well as the risk of blood clots.

Posted by: wks on 2006-05-03, 13:57:56

The research suggests a number of positive effects wines, especially reds, may have on health, including a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, lung and prostate cancer, dementia, stroke, diabetes, macular degeneration, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. An Oregon State University study has determined that germ-killing components in white wine may help prevent food poisoning. A new Spanish study implies wine may even help fight off the common cold.

Posted by: chavatshimshon on 2006-05-03, 14:03:46

When compared to beer or liquor drinkers, and even non-drinkers, those who happen to drink wine have lifestyles that are healthier. Wine drinkers are thinner and have more normal weights, they exercise more, smoke less, have a higher intake of fruits, vegetables and salads, have a higher education and socio-economic status, eat less saturated fat (fewer servings of red or fried meats) and more fiber, have normal cholesterols, drink less alcohol, often work in white collar jobs and are in better health than the rest of the population. Those individuals who drink wine also happen to be better adjusted, less neurotic and depressed, and have a higher I.Q. These many lifestyle factors account for improved health and decrease the significance of wine consumption. The Copenhagen City Heart Study, which looked at Danes’ drinking habits in the late 1970's, may have been particularly vulnerable to socio-economic skewing. At that time, wine drinking was just starting to catch on in a traditionally beer-drinking nation, and was probably limited to the upper classes even more than now, argues Dr. Erik Mortensen of the Institute of Preventive Medicine of Copenhagen, leader of the Danish study. Nutrition experts at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say that red wine is associated with the Mediterranean diet, a diet that is recommended for lowering heart disease and some forms of cancer. However, this diet is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. The primary fat is olive oil, and meat is used sparingly, often coming from fish. Although wine may be served with meals, the real benefit is from the overall diet itself, not necessarily the wine that may go along with it. Dr. June Reinisch, from the Danish Epidemiology Science Center in Copenhagen, was the author of a Danish study that showed wine drinkers were greatly associated with other factors other than wine consumption. “It’s not a cause-and-effect situation; it is a correlation of lifestyle and intelligence with healthy behavior. If you are upper class, it usually means that not only did your mother have good nutrition, but your grandmother had good nutrition, and we have data that shows that I.Q. is related to your mother’s and grandmother’s nutrition as well.� All wine, o all alchohol helps to releive stress, which is good for the immune sysytem. But one must not get carried away. Wine made from red or even more so black grapes countains polyphenols which are pigements which help prevent heart disease and cancer.

Posted by: Chatham on 2006-05-03, 14:06:32

Anti-oxidants. they fight free radicals which are associated with disease & aging.

Posted by: halfmybrain on 2006-05-03, 14:08:52

When you wine and camplaign, it releases stress and duress.

Posted by: R.R. on 2006-05-03, 14:14:53

Researchers say that wine (red especially) is good for longevity.

Posted by: calliew on 2006-05-03, 14:15:45

Red wine contains antioxidants which keep free radicals from destroying cell in our body.