It’s pretty easy to find that you enjoy drinking red wine. But, did you know that there are many health benefits of red wine? As more and more research is performed, it is becoming evident that drinking moderate amounts of red wine can be very good for your health.
Red wine is rich in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are found in many plant based foods, like fruits, vegetables, cocoa and coffee. Anti-oxidants have the ability to kill free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are a normal by-product of the digestive process, but they age our cells and contribute to serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease if they are not kept in check. Regular consumption of anti-oxidant rich foods controls these free radicals.
One of the most important anti-oxidants found in the red grape is Proanthocyanidin. This anti-oxidant appears to have amazing capabilities to keep the body young. It is thought by many researchers to be the basis behind the “French Paradox”. The French Paradox relates to how the French eat such a high calorie and high fat diet, yet have much lower incidences of obesity and heart disease than Americans. Researchers have always known that the secret likely lay somewhere in their consumption of wine, but until recently, pinpointing the exact reason has been difficult.
Proanthocyandin has been shown to help prevent heart disease and other illnesses associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This is, in part, due to the fact that it helps to improve blood flow and negates many of the effects of high cholesterol on the heart and blood vessels.
While white wine shares many of the anti-oxidants found in red wine, the health benefits of red wine are thought to be so much greater mainly because of the higher levels of Proanthocyandin in red wine.
There’s no question that drinking moderate amounts of red wine can be good for your health. It lowers your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and some forms of cancer. It may also help you to keep your weight in check. It is important to note, however, that these health benefits are only present when drinking is done at a moderate level. Heavy drinking, even of red wine, will have more negative health consequences than positive. Moderate levels of red wine drinking equate to no more than two glasses per day for men; one glass per day for women.
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