Health Benefits of Wine

ay enjoy an occasional glass of wine. It is used ongrape skins and stems. When white wine is made,
many festive occasions to raise a toast, or tothe grapes are pressed, and the juice is removed
enhance a fine meal. But are you aware that wineand fermented to make the wine. With red wines,
can also be beneficial to your health? It's true.the grapes are pressed, and the juice sits for a
Medical studies have shown that an occasionalwhile with the grape skins and stems still present.
glass of wine can be beneficial to your health.Because of this, the grape juice has a chance to
You may or may not have heard about theleach more of the flavanoids and reservatrol from
'French Paradox'. This finding shows that thethe grape skins. So, red wines will have a higher
French have a lower incidence of coronaryconcentration of anti-oxidants than white.
disease as we find in the United States, despiteThe alcohol content present in wine can have
the rich, high fat foods found in French cuisine.some benefits as well. Moderate consumption of
Many experts attribute this to the regularalcohol can raise the level of HDL, or good
consmption of wine in the French diet.cholesterol, and thin out the blood. Keep in mind,
Some medical studies have shown that anthis is moderate consumption of alcohol, not
occasional glass of wine can reduce the risk ofheavy consumption. So this isn't an excuse to go
heart disease or stroke. Moderate wineout and get drunk.
consumption can reduce the risk of death bySo, what does this mean for you?
cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer. OtherIf you consume a glass or two of red wine a
diseases may also be reduced by moderate wineday, it can help to reduce your risk of coronary
consumption, and may very well increase one'sdisease and cancer, and increase your lifespan.
life expectancy.Keep in mind though, that there are some
Studies are still being conducted on the healthinstances in which you should not drink wine, or
benefits of a glass of wine. Wine containsany other alcoholic beverage. You may have
flavanoids, anti-oxidants that help to preventcertain medical conditions that may be made
free-radicals from damaging cells. One in particularworse by alcohol. Certain medications, as well,
helps to prevent hardening of the arteries. Wineshould not be taken with alcohol. So, while wine
also contains a substance called reservetrol. Thismay be beneficial, there are also circumstances in
substance has been shown to boost the immunewhich it can be harmful, so consult your doctor
system, block cancer, and protect againstfirst.
cardiovascular diseases.So, if you can have wine, go ahead and pour
These substances are found in all wine, but thereyourself a glass and enjoy. Wine will not only
are more in red wine than in white wine. Theenhance your meal, but it can also improve your
reservatrol and flavanoids are present in thehealth, and help you to live a longer life. Enjoy!