1. Drinking Wine May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Researchers have wondered for some time why the French, who consume a diet that is fairly high in saturated fat, still have lower rates of heart disease. The reason may be found in wine--red wine in particular. That's good news for those who enjoy an occasional glass of wine. According to research done in the 1990s, a substance called resveratrol is likely the cause of wine's cardiovascular benefits. Resveratrol is found in the skin of red and purple grapes and, according to the Mayo Clinic, has been shown to reduce the risk of blood clots, lower cholesterol and help maintain healthy blood pressure.
2. Wine Lowers "Bad" Cholesterol; Alcohol Raises "Good" Cholesterol
Wine's ability to lower cholesterol is further improved by the fact that moderate amounts of alcohol, whether in beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages, raises the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol. This lowers the risk of clogged arteries and may help lower blood pressure. The American Heart Association says there is not enough clear evidence to give red wine all the credit for being better than other forms of alcohol when it comes to heart benefits.
3. Grape Juice May Work Just as Well
Some studies have shown that grape juice may have the same cholesterol-lowering benefits as red wine, thereby offering health benefits without drinking alcohol. Resveratrol is found in the skin of dark purple Concord grapes. Both red wine and grape juice also contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to raise HDL cholesterol and possibly lower blood pressure. If you want the cardiovascular benefits of grapes without alcohol, grape juice may be the answer.
4. Too Much Alcohol Can Have Negative Effects
Before you go out and buy a case of red wine to lower your cholesterol, you need to keep in mind that drinking alcohol, especially in large quantities, can harm your health in far greater ways. Many health organizations and medical professionals are hesitant to recommend alcohol as a way to reduce your risk of heart disease because too much alcohol can have the exact opposite effect--raising some fats in the blood, leading to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart failure. Always drink in moderation, or don't drink at all.
5. Safer Ways to Get the Same Health Benefits
If you have high cholesterol or a history of heart disease in your family, talk to your doctor about your options for reducing your risk of heart attack. These include changes in diet, increasing your level of exercise and the possible use of medications to lower cholesterol. The American Heart Association does not recommend anyone start drinking alcohol to prevent heart disease.
