This debate has been going on for quite a long time and feelings range from it being good for you to it being just a ploy to sell more wine
There are studies that show that red wine taken in moderation has a beneficial effect on your health and can lower the risk of several diseases. The key word, however, is moderate consumption and not excessive consumption, this, however, is true of the intake of any nutritional supplement.
This article will try to shed more light on the matter to enable a calculated decision to be taken on the use of red wine.
What is red wine?
Red wine is produced from the fruit of grapes that are dark in colour, the colour is caused by the tannins in the fruit. They are harvested and crushed where after they are fermented in casks to mature. The product varies in colour and taste, with different varieties produced like Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and various others. The wine has an alcohol content which ranges between 11-15% and it is believed by some that the alcohol also contributes to the health of the drinker when consumed in moderation. There are high levels of anti-oxidants present in red wine which are one of the reasons it is good for your health.
The French connection
Many pro-red wine users site the French as an example of the beneficial effects of the use of red wine to counter the negative effects of their high consumption of saturated fats () and foods that have elevated cholesterol levels. Recent studies have shown that saturated fats and certain types of cholesterol are not responsible for cardiac disease when used in moderation. The real cause of the good health of the French can be found in their lifestyles and the type of foods they eat.
The antioxidants in red wine:
It is a known fact that the grapes that red wine is made of, contains a great variety of anti-oxidants. These anti-oxidants are believed to be the main cause of the health benefits of the red wine and are vital to assist the body in fighting free radicals. The red wine protects against the damage caused by oxidation and is believed to prevent cancer and heart disease. Some also believe having a glass a day can help you to live longer.
Drinking red wine to lower your risk of a stroke:
This is the one alcoholic drink that is believed to be the healthiest when used in moderation. Studies have shown that red wine contributes to heart health and fewer strokes when taken in moderate amounts but can increase the risk when taken in excessive amounts. The moderate use help to reduce blood pressure and also to protect the good cholesterol levels in the body.
Other benefits:
Due to the ability of red wine to contain various powerful anti-oxidants, there are many other health benefits in taking a glass daily. Accordingly, the following benefits are believed to accrue from the use of it:
Cancer risks like colon, ovary and prostate are believed to be reduced.
There is a lower risk of depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Reducing the risk to get diabetes type 2.
The negative effect on your health when you drink too much red wine can cancel out all of the positive effects. It is well known that the use of alcohol can lead to various bad effects like alcoholism, liver cirrhosis and a reduction of your lifespan. In conclusion, we can argue that the drinking of red wine in moderation can benefit your health and lead to a better quality of life.
