Summary
Researchers have found that a daily glass of red wine for a woman, or two daily glasses for a man, is associated with a variety of important health benefits. Studies have suggested that regular, moderate drinkers of red wine suffer less from heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, and some forms of cancer.
The healthful effect is believed to be a result of the particular sort of antioxidants found in red wine. "It increases the HDL (good cholesterol) and helps in glucose metabolism," says Boston health expert R. Curtis Ellison. However, experts caution that drinking in moderation is essential; overindulgence could lead to undesirable health problems.
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But calories, Americans' lack of moderation make nutritionists wary of endorsing the habit.
Brett Clifford, the wine coordinator for the state of Utah, tastes a glass of port.
Red wine, and alcohol in general, may offer potential benefits when consumed in moderation.
While some health experts say any liquor can offer benefits due to the presence of ethanol --- a pure form of alcohol found in all alcoholic beverages that may raise HDL (good) cholesterol, prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke --- red wine is typically the drink most touted.
Red wine is made using grape skins, which have antioxidants.
Moderate drinking can lead to an increased risk of accidents, a spike in blood pressure, strokes caused by bleeding, interactions with medication and birth defects.
Excessive drinking can raise the levels of triglycerides in the blood.
This may not be new findings: In the 1920s, during Prohibition, a study showed those who snuck a drink were in better health and less obese than those who followed the law.
But that study was ignored, Ellison said.
The study, which looked at the phenomenon known as "The French Paradox," showed the French were eating fatty meals, had high blood pressure and high cholesterol readings but were reporting only half the heart attacks which could be expected among the population.
Mason said people tend to forget that alcohol contains calories that must be counted as part of a person's daily caloric intake.
Its Web site does address the issue by stating: "Research is being done to find out what the apparent benefits of drinking
wine or alcohol in some populations may be due to, including the role of antioxidants, an increase in HDL ('good') cholesterol or anti-clotting properties.
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and award-winning journalist with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, and he has authored and published several downloadable personal preparedness courses including a downloadable course focused on safety and self defense. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2010, Adams launched TV.NaturalNews.com, a natural health video site featuring videos on holistic health and green living. He also launched an online retailer of environmentally-friendly products (BetterLifeGoods.com) and uses a portion of its profits to help fund non-profit endeavors. He's also a noted pioneer in the email marketing software industry, having been the first to launch an HTML email newsletter technology that has grown to become a standard in the industry. Adams volunteers his time to serve as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and enjoys outdoor activities, nature photography, Pilates and martial arts training. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
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Wednesday, May 18, 2005
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