Certain health benefits of red wine have been attributed to this delicious nectar ever since wine was invented in ancient times. The ancient Greeks drank wine as it was safer than drinking water. It also was used as an antiseptic and mixed with medicines.
It was used as medicine for certain ailments. This is actually how the Penfold’s winery in Australia was started. Their wines were given to patients with anemia.
Modern Findings Of Red Wine And Health
Red Wine and Heart Health
One major health benefit of red wine is that it reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. It acts as an anticoagulant, which allows blood to flow easier. Therefore, it helps to reduce clogged arteries and blood clots.
Red Wine and Cholesterol
Another health benefit of red wine is that it raises “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lowers “bad” (LDL). It actually helps to remove the fat deposits in arteries.
Red Wine Antioxidants
There are some powerful antioxidants in red wine. They are what help to reduce the fat in our arteries.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is one of the antioxidants found in red wine. It has anti-inflammatory effects, (you lose weight), it reduces the risk of cancer and it helps your heart. More research findings continue to come out on this antioxidant in red wine.
Quercetin
Like Resveratrol, Quercetin is found in red grapes. This red wine antioxidant also has anti-inflammatory properties and it may reduce risk for cancer.
French Paradox
The French Paradox is the health expert’s nightmare. They eat a high-fat diet, they don’t exercise and yet have a low heart disease rate.
Why is this? Well, it probably has to do with the red wine they consume. In moderate amounts, red wine can reduce heart disease risk.
Calories in Red Wine
How many calories in red wine? According to the United States dietary guidelines, there are about 100 calories in a 5-ounce glass of red wine.
If you are counting calories, you should know also that red wine is fat-free and has no cholesterol. Yippee!
Red Wine and Headaches
Red wine headaches are certainly not a health benefit of red wine, however, they do affect many people. A lot of research has gone into this topic, and there are some answers so sufferers can also enjoy the health benefits of red wine.
How much red wine?
So — how much red wine should you consume in order to experience all the health benefits of red wine? Dr. Sears, in his best selling book, Enter The Zone, says to have one glass of red wine per day. Higher amounts, he says, could result in a reversal of all the health benefits you want to achieve.
You should talk to your doctor for the best advice for you.
