Should you think twice before tossing those bottles of wine? Let’s take a look at some FAQs about drinking red wine for good health.
Does drinking a glass of wine have health benefits?
The truth is not so clear-cut. With a popular drink like wine surrounded by such scientific fascination, it is important to present a full overview of its structure, mechanisms of action, and hazards and advantages of intake from a cardiovascular standpoint. To date, the majority of reviews and meta-analyses have concentrated on the particular properties of wine, but a much broader evaluation of the literature on wine and its parallels to other alcoholic beverages is required. It’s unclear whether there’s a link between red wine and fewer heart attacks. Red wine’s potential heart-healthy advantages are still being researched.
How might red wine promote my health?
Various studies have indicated that modest doses of various types of alcohol, not only red wine, are beneficial to the heart. It is believed that alcohol:
- Increases HDL cholesterol levels, the “good” cholesterol
- Blood clot formation is reduced
- Prevents arterial damage caused by high LDL cholesterol levels (the “bad” cholesterol)
- May help the layer of cells that line the blood arteries operate better.
How much I am allowed to drink?
If you do drink alcohol, federal guidelines and the American Heart Association advise that you do so in moderation which means:
- Up to one drink a day for women of all ages.
- Up to one drink a day for men older than age 65.
- Up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. The limit for men is higher because men generally weigh more than women and have more of an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol.
A drink is defined as:
- 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer
- 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine
- 5 ounces (44 milliliters) of 80-proof distilled spirits
What are the possible consequences if I drink too much red wine?
- Suicide, violence, and accidents
- Some kinds of cancer
- Heart attack
- Blood pressure problems
- Diseases of the liver and pancreas
- Stroke
- Obesity and weight gain
In which situations should I avoid drinking red wine?
- Pregnant
- Have a significant personal or family history of alcoholism
- Have a liver or pancreatic disease linked to alcohol consumption
- Have a weak or failing heart
- Use of specific drugs
Takeaway on drinking red wine for health purposes
Red wine is frequently regarded as a heart-healthy option, although it is not an important component of the traditional diet and should be used in moderation.
For the time being, the message isn’t to go out and start drinking for your health. However, if you do drink, moderation is the way to go.
Are you looking for a heart-healthy diet? Click here for more tips.
