Chronic consumption of alcohol may result in adverse health complications, including high blood pressure, pancreatitis, liver disease and cancer. However, moderate alcohol consumption - defined as one to two alcoholic drinks per day - may actually provide some cardiovascular benefits, especially from red wine. According to MayoClinic.com, red wine is rich in certain antioxidants that can reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol while increasing "good" cholesterol.
Alcohol
In general, alcohol consumption may have heart-healthy benefits, regardless of its source. Again, this benefit is dependent upon the amount and frequency of use, where moderate usage is the key. According to a publication in a 2005 edition of "Circulation," moderate alcohol consumption increases levels of nitric oxide, or NO, in the blood. NO is a vascular regulator, which means that it helps to relax the blood vessels and decrease overall blood pressure. Lower blood pressure relieves stress on the blood vessels and heart, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Flavonoids
Red grapes, from which red wine is produced, are rich in antioxidant polyphenolic compounds called flavonoids. Antioxidants are important for the neutralization of harmful oxidizing chemicals called free radicals. When not controlled, free radicals can damage the essential components of healthy cells and tissue, including DNA. According to the Cleveland Clinic, low levels of antioxidants result in elevated "bad" cholesterol, leading to blood vessel plaque formation and an increased risk of heart attack.
Resveratrol
In addition to antioxidant flavonoids, the nonflavonoid antioxidant resveratrol is considered to be the most important heart-healthy component in red wine. Resveratrol may reduce inflammation and blood platelet aggregation, both of which can lead to heart disease. According to MayoClinic.com, resveratrol has been shown to reduce "bad" cholesterol while increasing "good" cholesterol, ultimately reducing the incidence of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. While resveratrol research is promising, animal studies suggest that the beneficial effects of resveratrol can only be achieved by consumption hundreds of bottles of wine per day, which would essentially negate any desired benefits.
