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What Are The Health Benefits Of Wine?
For the past 10 years, researchers and health organizations have studied the health benefits of wine consumption. They have concluded there are some benefits, particularly red wine health benefits. There appear to be components in wine that have a positive effect on heart and cardiovascular health. However, it remains unclear if the consumption of wine, other healthy lifestyle factors, or a combination of both account for these improvements. Researchers have concluded that wine's health benefits come from its grapes and grape skins which contain Resveratrol, a substance found to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Wine grapes and grape skins also contain Flavonoids, which decrease the risk of coronary heart disease by reducing production of LDL (bad) cholesterol, boosting HDL (good) cholesterol, and reducing blood clotting. Red wine health benefits are greater with heavier red wines, such as Cabernet, since they contain more Flavonoids. White wines contain very few Flavonoids. The confusion comes when one examines the other possible reasons for these improved health factors. Consumption of grape juice, red grapes, tea, nuts, and fruits and vegetables could also explain these risk reductions. As can an overall healthy diet low in saturated fats, regular exercise, and a positive outlook on life. It is recommended that if you are a non-drinker, you don't start. But, if you are a drinker already, moderate (1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men) red wine consumption does appear to have a beneficial effect on human health. However, it is important to remember that drinking more alcohol increases other risk factors such as accidents, alcoholism, breast cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, and suicide. And, as with everything, it's always smart to consult your doctor about the benefits and risks of consuming alcohol. Bottom line, we can’t think of a more delicious, enjoyable way to reap the health benefits of wine as consuming it in moderation, with a delicious,
perfectly paired meal.
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