Health benefits of wines

For as long as humans have been drinking wines, claims have abounded about wine's health benefits. Recently dozens of scientific studies have shown benefits primarily to cardiovascular health, but also in the areas of antibacterial, mental health, and weight control. The key to all of these benefits is drinking in moderation. This is generally defined as 2-3 glasses at night with dinner. More drinking than this may cause detrimental effects including liver damage, and may counteract the positive benefits. With many wines varieties available in the market, choosing the right wine is slightly difficult

Red vs White

One of the major factors in receiving benefits from drinking wines is the exact wine you consume. Red wines have a higher percentage of polyphenols and other chemicals that may lead to increased health. Additionally, wines from the south of France and the Sardinia region of Italy have especially high levels of these chemicals. On the other hand, some studies have shown no difference in the health benefits of red and white wine. Alcohol in any variation, but still in moderation, has the effect of increasing HDL or good cholesterol, reducing blood clots, and preventing artery damage caused by LDL or bad cholesterol.

Cardiovascular

Researchers have focused the most time and money on the cardiovascular effects of red wines. Studies have shown a significant decrease in death due to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks among moderate drinkers. Chemicals called procyanidins, found in red wines, suppress a chemical that constricts blood vessels leading to a reduction in blood pressure. Studies on mice have also shown that red wine can act as an anti-aging elixir on the cardiovascular system. To get the most from these benefits you should drink slowly, as a significant portion of the good chemicals in red wine are broken down in the gut but can be absorbed directly in the mouth.

Antibacterial

In 2007, a study showed antibacterial benefits of both red and white wines against Streptococcus. This study did not prove conclusively that drinking wine regularly would prevent or fight against bacterial infections. Instead, it showed a potential benefit that is worth further investigations.

Alzheimer's disease

Another 2007 study showed increased functioning in a mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease . Unfortunately, subsequent studies have not proved the efficacy in people living with Alzheimer's and more research is still needed.

Weight

Statistical analysis has shown that moderate red wine drinkers have better weight control. There are still significant questions about whether this is due to the wine itself or the type of people that tend to drink red wine.

Most physicians would not recommend starting drinking to receive the benefits of red wine. If you already drink, then drink in moderation and enjoy the possibility that you are helping your health at the same time you sip that fine wine. You should take efforts to study and choose a good quality wine from the umpteen wines varieties available in the market.