There is a great deal of conflicting information on the subject of the health benefits of red wine and it’s often hard to know what you should or shouldn’t be eating and drinking to remain healthy. While there is no firm scientific proof, most studies point to health benefits from drinking red wine in moderation.
What Can Red Wine Do?
While red wine isn’t considered a cure all – and certainly not a substitute for a healthy diet – there are some widely agreed upon benefits to drinking red wine. The most promising benefit is that red wine is believed to protect against certain forms of cancer and heart disease. In fact, some studies show up to a 30%–50% reduction in the incidence of heart disease in those who consumed a glass of red wine daily. It also appears to have a positive effect on cholesterol & blood pressure. And finally, drinking red wine has been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks in middle-aged (30–50 years old) adults.
Why Red Wine in Particular?
Experts began studying the benefits of red wine when they started to notice a correlation between populations who drank red wine regularly and lower incidences of disease. This was especially evident in the Mediterranean countries where red wine is commonly drunk on a regular basis. Also studied was the so-called “French Paradox,” where the French have a lower rate of heart disease and obesity even though they consume a higher-fat diet.
Most of the benefits of red wine appear come from the antioxidants present in it. Studies show that red wine has a high concentration of antioxidants, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants have been found to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind of cholesterol) and help prevent blood clots and plaque from forming in arteries.
How Much Should I Drink to Gain the Health Benefits of Red Wine?
Most experts agree that it takes a small amount of red wine to see the health benefits. Moderation is truly the key – one 4–6 ounce glass of wine per day for women and one or two glasses for men. Keep in mind that most experts believe that the health benefits of red wine are lost if wine is consumed to excess.
