Red wine can improve your health. Really!

Researchers have been studying alcohol consumption and after 10 years of study, conclude that moderate daily intake of alcohol improves cardiovascular health. In one study, conducted at Harvard University, it was suggested that red wine in particular is the most beneficial to heart health. The cardio-protective effect has been attributed to antioxidants in the skin and seeds of red grapes.

The antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in three ways:

• By reducing the production of low density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol.


• By boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol.


• By reducing blood clotting.

Furthermore, consuming a glass of red wine along with a meal may favorably influence your lipid profiles following that meal.

Another study found moderate red wine consumption may inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Yet another study indicated that red wine aids the formation of nerve cells, which may be helpful in treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The wine with the highest concentration of flavonoids is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. White wine has significantly fewer amounts of flavonoids compared to red wine; drier red wines contain higher levels than sweet red wines.

So what is meant by “consuming in moderation?” We Americans have trouble with this concept. One serving per day of red wine, for women, equals four ounces. Men will benefit from consuming between one and two servings per day, somewhere between four and eight ounces.

For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, rest easy. Research has shown non-alcoholic red wine contains the same antioxidant profile as red wine. Grape juice, meanwhile, has anti-oxidative benefits, but does not significantly lower LDL cholesterol compared to red wine.