Drink Smart and in Moderation
Posted by terrepruitt on February 20, 2014
The various surprising health benefits of wine
For centuries, people have derived pleasure from drinking many different varieties of wine. Whether it’s a sensuously versatile Pinot Noir or a divine Chardonnay, drinking wine in moderate amounts has proven to be one of the more effective ways to unwind, relax and allow the stresses of the day to just slowly fade away into the ether. Various studies have emerged throughout the years espousing the health benefits of drinking a glass or two of high-quality wine.
Experts from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic have stated that there are certain substances in red wine called phytochemicals (specifically, flavonoids and resveratrol) that may help prevent heart disease and failure by performing two critical functions: increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (also known as the “good” cholesterol) and protecting against artery damage. It is worth noting that both resveratrol and flavonoids are also recognized as antioxidants (not all phytochemicals are antioxidants, though).
Resveratrol, in particular, is markedly more prevalent in red wine than in white wine; after all, red wine is fermented with grape skins for a longer period of time compared to white wine. Additionally, resveratrol has gotten a lot of attention due to possibly playing an important part in maintaining healthy cardiovascular function. Some of the existing research has linked resveratrol to reduced blood vessel damage, prevention of blood clots, and a decreased amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). Dr. Eric Crampton, a highly respected University of Canterbury academic, has also opined that based on his interpretation of the current studies available, moderate drinking reduces mortality risk. Furthermore, according to Paul Jaminet of the Perfect Health Diet, animal studies have shown that the harmful effects of alcohol on the liver – fatty liver disease that inevitably leads to a scarred and damaged liver (cirrhosis) – occur only when it is combined with excessive intake of polyunsaturated fats.
Clearly, judicious consumption of red wine not only calms the senses; it’s also a healthful habit in moderation.
Image courtesy of M&S
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This post is a guest post. The conclusion reached is that of the guest author. My approach would be more from a “COULD be” healthful. Many things we eat, drink, and do have the appearance of being healthful, but it always boils down to moderation AND the individual, so to me it is not so clear.
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paywindow7 said
I don’t do much wine. How about a shot or three of ol’ Jack Black? Lots of short term benefits there but long term, maybe not. But who cares.
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terrepruitt said
Ahhh . . . I think you tapped into the MAIN point of it ALL . . . WHO does care? For those that do . . . there is the information, for those that don’t there is the information. 🙂 Ha, ha, see? Either way . . . it is information. What we do with it is up to the individual.
I am not a RED wine drinker and that is the stuff that most of the “research” says has the “benefits”. Jack is a friend I don’t remember well, tee-hee, so I don’t hang out with him since that one time . . . . .
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paywindow7 said
I understand, of course sometimes it’s best not to remember. Just sweep up the broken glass, right the furniture and file it away as a life lesson. Like in I’ll never do that again…
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terrepruitt said
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. You are so funny! Yes, some lessons are those you can’t remember! 😉
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