Is Red Wine Good For You?
The benefits of red wine consumption can be broken down into two main ingredients: resveratrol and antioxidants. Both substances have been found to improve heart health and red wine contains a fair amount of each substance.
Resveratrol Benefits
Resveratrol has been found to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and prevent the formation of blood clots. The results are a healthier heart. Resvertarol has also been found to have an anti-oxidant power far greater than that of Vitamin C. The antioxidant effects of resveratrol can help prevent various types of cancer.
Antioxidants in Red Wine
Antioxidants are common in many types of food and beverage. Depending on the type and strength they can be influential in maintaining muscle and tissue strength, acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and improving the bodys immune system. By slowing down the oxidation of harmful molecules found in the human body, antioxidants protect our cellular structures from degeneration that can lead to many harmful diseases, such as macular degeneration, cancer, diabetes, heart attack or lung disease.
Consumption of Red Wine
Many medical professionals agree that “moderation” is the key word in any recommendation of alcohol consumption. One glass per day would be a general definition of moderation accepted by many. This would give the consumer enough red wine to garner any potential health benefits without adding any harmful side effects from over consumption of alcohol.
Conclusion
Red wine carries a decent amount of health benefits when consumed in moderation. The primary health benefits arise from resveratrol and antioxidants which can be also be found in a variety of other foods, particularly in fruits and vegetables which have high concentrations of antioxidants. Not surprisingly, grapes offer an excellent amount of antioxidants per serving and do not have the potential adverse side effects of alcohol.