Red wine has been making headlines for years as an anti-aging, heart healthy, and stress-reducing elixir. The many health benefits associated with red wine consumption are backed by scientific literature; however, be advised that excessive consumption of wine or any alcoholic beverage will reverse these benefits. In most studies, health benefits are observed with mild to moderate consumption of red wine, which is defined as no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.
Heart Health
According to MayoClinic.com, red wine consumption has been labeled 'heart healthy' since research has found it to raise HDL cholesterol, reduce formation of blood clots, and prevent artery damage caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol. Experts believe the phenolic antioxidants found in red wine are responsible for keeping LDL cholesterol down and reducing blood clot formation, which both reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Anti-Aging
Recently, several studies described resveratrol, procyanidin, and other red wine nutrients as anti-aging compounds. Several of these compounds have been found to induce the expression of several longevity genes and prevent age-related decline in cardiovascular function. While the findings from these animal studies are promising, experts have not observed a significant improvement in actual survival or lifespan in mice given resveratrol supplements.
Resveratrol, in particular, is currently the most researched non-flavonoid antioxidant found in red wine. Animal studies have found that this antioxidant protects against obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, for humans to consume the equivalent amount of resveratrol given to the mice in these studies, they would have to consume 100 to 1,000 bottles of red wine a day. Resveratrol supplements are now widely available and may be a safer way to reap the benefits of this antioxidant.
Anti-Cancer
Evidence that resveratrol and other compounds found in red wine may have chemoprotective effects is mounting. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of red wine compounds protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. In addition, tumor initiation, promotion, and progression are all affected by resveratrol and therefore may decrease cancer risk.
Digestion and Fat Absorption
A 2008 study observed that wine consumption may help significantly reduce, and possibly prevent, some of the harmful effects associated with eating fatty food. When having fatty food such as red meat, fried food, or cheese, choosing wine rather than beer or hard liquors may improve digestion of fats.
References
- "Mayo Clinic": Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?
- "Physiology Research"; Effect of white wine consumption on oxidative stress markers and homocysteine levels; Rajdl D, et al.; March, 2006
- "Heart Failure Reviews"; Resveratrol and red wine, healthy heart and longevity; Dipak Das, et al.; March, 2010
- Critical Review of Food Science and Nutrition. Fighting cancer with red wine? Molecular mechanisms of resveratrol; Kraft TE et al.; Oct, 2009
- "FASEB"; A novel function of red wine polyphenols in humans: prevention of absorption of cytotoxic lipid peroxidation products; 2008
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