The truth about red wine and its health benefits
2009-08-13
WITH winter in full swing, red wine is a preference for many people, either as a meal accompaniment or to enjoy while sitting in front of a roaring fire in conversation with loved ones or enjoying a good book. There are conflicting reports however of whether or not one should feel guilty about this indulgence or can we feel safe in the knowledge that red wine is associated with certain health benefits and therefore free of guilt? Research suggests that a glass of red wine each day may be providing you with more than just relaxation and enjoyment. It has been linked with various health benefits over the years for the heart, the lungs, the prevention of breast cancer and tooth decay, longevity and general wellbeing. In fact, in 1992, Harvard researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of the “eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk.” The antioxidant Resveratrol (which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes) may inhibit tumour development in some cancers. Resveratrol may also aid in the formation of nerve cells which may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Says Leopard’s Leap winemaker Eugene van Zyl, “Red wine provides much more Resveratrol compared to white wine. “This is because the longer the grape skin is kept on the grape during the wine-making process, the greater the concentration of Resveratrol in the wine. “In the case of white wine production, the skin is removed before fermentation, giving white wines a lower concentration in Resveratrol compared to red wine.” However, the amount of wine you drink matters tremendously: drink more than what’s recommended and your health benefits are lost and the risks return, and even increase. Men’s daily consumption should be no more than two drinks, and for women not more than one drink per day – when you consider that one drink is defined as a five ounce (150ml) glass of wine that is something to be aware of and very vigilant about. Over-consumption of alcohol can cause impotence and infertility in men and women, while if consumed during pregnancy it can seriously damage the foetus. Also, people with high blood pressure, enlarged hearts, liver disease or anyone with a family history of alcohol abuse should not be drinking this daily dose of red wine - the recommendation to consume a moderate amount of red wine is limited to individuals with a clean bill of health.
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