According to Yale-New Haven Hospital, alcohol in moderation may actually be good for you. The hospital cites a 1992 Harvard study that classed limited imbibing as one of eight proven ways to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Later studies have shown that red wine in particular provides additional health benefits. The American Heart Association" defines "moderation" as one glass of wine for women and two for men daily. Consult your doctor before beginning any red wine regimen, as its benefits are restricted to those with no health problems other than heart disease. In addition, drinking three or more glasses a day can have negative effects on your health that erase any benefits of moderate consumption.
Decreasing Heart Risks
Gloria Tsang, RD, suggests on HealthCastle.com that limited amounts of red wine can cut heart attack risk in middle-aged people by as much as 50 percent. MayoClinic.com cites tests on mice showing that the antioxidant resveratrol found in red wine can prevent obesity and diabetes, both contributory factors to heart disease. MayoClinic.com also notes that the mice had to consume the human equivalent of more than 100 bottles of red wine a day to achieve this result.
Blood Clotting
Tsang says that red wine is replete with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and resveratrol. The flavonoids can prevent blood clots and reduce plaque deposits in the arteries. Grape skin and seeds are rich in resveratrol, which can raise HDL cholesterol--the good kind--also preventing blood clots. Wines richest in flavonoids include pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon. According to MayoClinic.com, these antioxidants also have protective properties for the blood vessels in the heart.
Lowering Bad Cholesterol
The antioxidants in red wine not only raise levels of good cholesterol, but can also stop the formation of LDL cholesterol, the bad kind, according to Tsang. MayoClinic.com points out that this combination can be a tool in fighting heart disease.
Other Benefits
Yale-New Haven Hospital quotes a study that found resveratrol can affect the body's production of some tumors. The hospital also suggests that the antioxidant can help produce nerve cells, which may potentially be beneficial in treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
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