Is Wine Good for Your Health?

Not only is the appreciation of wine pleasurable, but studies show that drinking wine in moderation is good for your health. Scientists looking for dietary influences on longevity noticed that the French live longer than citizens of other European countries, despite eating a diet notoriously high in fat. Their research of this so-called "French paradox" indicated that the moderate consumption of wine was closely correlated with longer life expectancy. What a happy paradox!

Apparently, compounds found in the skin and seeds of grapes called polyphenols are found in wine and act as antioxidants - substances that help to inhibit the development of certain types of cancers and to reduce the incidence of heart disease. Red wine contains more polyphenols than white wine (because the grape juice used to make red wine stays in contact with the grape skins and seeds longer during the winemaking process), but both red and white wines have been shown to have health benefits.

Subsequent research on the health of other populations has confirmed that moderate wine drinkers have half the risk of dying from heart disease than those who never drink wine. How is this possible? Researchers believe that some of wine's positive health effects are achieved by reducing the level of lipids in the bloodstream, lowering total cholesterol, and increasing HDL (so-called "good cholesterol).

The presence of a compound called resveratrol in wine may also help to fight certain types of cancers. In addition, some researchers believe that the relaxing properties of wine also help wine drinkers reduce the likelihood of developing stress-related illnesses. Other studies indicated that drinking wine in moderation may also reduce the chances of getting stomach ulcers by reducing the amount of ulcer-causing bacteria.

Not enough to convince you that drinking wine can be good for your health? How about this: wine also has also been studied in relation to stroke prevention. The alcohol in the wine, it seems, breaks up blood clots. By increasing the level of HDL ("good" cholesterol) in the bloodstream, wine helps keep arteries unclogged. The bottom line: scientific research shows that people who drink one to three glasses of wine per day are less likely to contract certain serious diseases than those who do not drink wine, and those who drink heavily.

A small percentage of people have allergic reactions to natural substances called sulfites that are found in wine, and tannins in red wine can cause migraine headaches in some sensitive individuals. Certain wineries produce special wines that do not contain sulfites, but in general, their effects can be avoided by drinking in moderation.

Here's another happy paradox for wine drinkers: studies show that the immune systems of red wine drinkers are as healthy as those who do not drink alcohol, while drinking distilled spirits ("hard liquor") impairs the immune system.

Studies show that there are also some sex-specific health benefits for wine drinkers: a recent study found that drinking wine in moderation actually helped increase bone density in older women. There are even studies that indicate that wine's antioxidant properties can slow down the effects of aging on the skin. Combined with the stress-reducing effects of wine, we can almost say, "a few glasses of wine, a few less wrinkles"!

Please note: the above information does not constitute medical advice. To determine how drinking wine may affect your own health, contact your physician.