Drinking red wine in moderation is generally considered heart healthy because it contains antioxidants. However, this is a controversial topic. While some studies have shown a health benefit there are risks involved with drinking too much. More studies are being done on the possible health and cardiovascular benefits of red wine.
Features
According to MayoClinic,com, red wine contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals that cause damage to our cells. Antioxidants may also help prevent heart disease by increasing our good cholesterol levels. The good cholesterol is also known as high0density lipoprotein, or HDL. MayoClinic.com also says "The alcohol in red wine also appears to be heart healthy. "
Identification
The antioxidants in red wine are called polyphenols. They help protect blood vessels in your heart and help prevent artery blockage. Specifically, the polyphenols in red wine are called flavonoids and nonflavonoids. MayoClinic.com says resveratrol is a nonflavonoid in red wine that is getting a lot of attention in studies done on mice, not humans. To get the same benefit people would have to consume at least 100 bottles of red wine per day, which is not realistic. Resveratrol could be linked to a reduced risk of inflammation and blood clotting, both of which can lead to heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com.
Geography
People in the Mediterranean region of the world have been drinking red wine for a long time. They have lower incidences of heart disease, but this could also be related to their healthy diets, which are based on vegetables, whole grains and fish. MayoClinic.com says that while the Mediterranean diet includes red wine it is consumed in moderation. Moderation is defined as less than 5 oz. of wine daily for women (or men older than 65) and less than 10 oz. of wine daily for men under 65.
Considerations
MedlinePlus notes the difference between healthy drinking and risky drinking. It says drinking alcohol can lead to many illnesses including cancer, heart disease, obesity, stroke, suicide and liver disease. It is also a contributing factor in many motor vehicle accidents,
Warning
The American Heart Association does not recommend drinking red wine or any other alcohol for cardiovascular benefit. It recommends eating a healthy diet, controlling your weight and getting exercise. The AHA points out that no scientific proof exists that links wine or any other alcoholic beverage as a healthy replacement for cardiovascular activity.
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