We all have raised our wine glasses in a special toast and uttered the words -To Your Health. While we do not throw our wine glasses in the fireplace anymore there is a good deal to be said about the health benefits of wine, both red and white varieties.
What effect will drinking wine have on us? Wines especially red wine, are rich in flavonoids and recently researchers have compiled some information and statistics that these flavonoids are in fact beneficial to your health. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties which cause the body to defend against viruses and carcinogens resulting in helping your body fight against cancer and heart disease.
But here is the caveat, like most things the drinking of wine should be done in moderation. In the 16th Century a Swiss physician was quoted as having wrote “Wine is a food, a medicine and a poison – it is just a question of dose”. If too much is consumed then the benefit of the flavonoids will have the opposite effect on your health. There are certain types of red wine that have a higher amount of both flavonoids and antioxidants. Among these wine are Cabernet Sauvignon, pinot Noir and Petit Syrah.
For a man consuming one or two four ounce glasses of wine per day will provide you with these health benefits. For a woman it is a little different. The people in the health arena suggest that only one four ounce glass per day is the limit. Any more is both of these cases and the benefits will be lost.
The French people have a lower rate of heart disease due to the region that their red wine is produced. The French red wines are very tannic and contain high procyanidin (antioxidant) content of any wines worldwide.
The dryer red wines such as Merlots or red Zinfandels contain fewer flavonoids but more than white wines. Just because these wine are a little light on the flavonoids does not mean that they will not benefit your health if you drink them in moderation.
There are plenty of health benefits of wine which can not be forgotten. Of course the primary benefits of wine include the absolute pleasure of sitting around with great friends and a great glass or two of wine.
categories: wine,food,drink,health,red wine,France,diet
Similar Posts Other People Have Read:
