Live Long and Stay Healthy with Red Wine

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Live Long and Stay Healthy with Red Wine

Thursday, August 13th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

So, can drinking red wine really be good for you? And, if so, how much is healthy? If you, like me, enjoy a glass or three of red wine from time to time, these are the questions that we need answered.

Back in 2006 a team of researchers published details of how they had seen some apparent health benefits of red wine in the journal, Nature. They found that, when given to mice, red wine countered some of the negative effects of a high calorie diet. Their tests indicated that the red wine appeared to increase the lifespan of the mice and contributed towards improvements in their health. But it didn’t help the mice to lose weight so there is no way that we are going to drink away those annoying excess pounds. Pity about that.

Research has identified the molecule called resveratrol which comes from the skins of grapes used to make red wine. Many other red-skinned fruits are also reported to contain healthy polyphenol components. Resveratrol has some remarkable properties, extending the lifespan of yeast by as much as 60%. It has also been found to increase the lifespan of worms and flies by 30% and fish by 60%.

So, does red wine promote longer and healthier lives? Recent research indicates that moderate consumption of red wine will give you added protection against certain cancers, reduce your cholesterol levels, lower your blood pressure and reduce your chances of contracting heart disease. Lots of good reasons why we should each fill a few big wine glasses with our favourite red wines.

One particular study focussed upon the differences between German and French wines. It was found that the French appear to know something about making healthy red wines because their wines were found to contain a higher level of antioxidants. It is thought that this fact is the underpinning reason why people in certain areas of France, where their diet is high in fat, exhibited a surprisingly lower incidence of heart attacks than other parts of the world. Unfortunately the evidence is inconclusive but it has prompted further studies into this interesting aspect of red wine.

The antioxidants in red wine are the key elements that provide its health-giving properties. These work to prevent the negative impact of free radicals on healthy cells. Free radicals are organic molecules that are responsible for many diseases, aging and tissue breakdown. Free radicals are created by environmental pollution, cigarette smoking, herbicides and even the chemicals contained in some cleaning agents. Lessening the levels of free radicals in our bodies is one key way that we can improve our overall health and well-being and a glass of wine a day can help a lot.

Moderation is the key, as it is in many things. Around one glass a day for women and two glasses a day for men is what is generally considered acceptable. And they are talking about regular wine glasses, not enormous brandy glasses or beer tankards.

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