Merlot, a red wine, is named after the variety of grape that the wine is made from. Drinking red wine in moderation has potential health benefits, including a decrease in cardiovascular disease and risk of stroke and lower cholesterol.
Benefits of Resveratrol
According to MayoClinic.com, antioxidants in merlot have been the focus of research to determine the health benefits of red wine. Polyphenols are antioxidants found in red wine and are thought to protect the lining of blood vessels. Flavonoids are one type of polyphenol found in red wine as well as other types of alcohol, although there are higher levels of polyphenols in red wines such as merlot. Nonflavonoids have been suspected of preventing arteries from becoming clogged with fatty deposits. Resveratrol is the nonflavonoid antioxidant that has been studied the most.
MayoClinic.com further reports that resveratrol may be the key component of red wines, like merlot, that helps to prevent damage to blood vessels, decrease bad cholesterol and prevent blood clots. More research needs to be completed before any recommendations can be made.
Alcohol
Alcohol is thought to have some beneficial effects on the body as well. MayoClinic.com states that moderate amounts of alcohol -- any kind, not just the alcohol found in red wine like merlot -- is thought to raise good cholesterol, decrease the formation of clots and prevent artery damage caused by an increased level of LDL, or bad cholesterol.
Red Wine Versus White Wine
Resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes. Because red wine, like merlot, is fermented for longer periods of time with the skin of the grape intact, red wines have larger amounts of resveratrol than white wines.
Amount
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages individuals who consume alcohol to do so in moderation, in hopes to reap the potential benefits of red wine and not suffer the potential short- and long-term risks. One drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men is considered moderate use of alcohol. One glass of merlot is equal to 5 oz.
Warning
Despite the potential health benefits of wine, alcohol has many health risks associated with it as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports dementia, stroke, neurologic issues, cancer, gatrointestinal issues and liver damage and disease as potential long-term risks from excessive alcohol consumption.
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