Are there really health benefits of wine? Well, maybe.It's nice to know that I don't have to feel guilty about liking a glass of red wine with my dinner.
Consumed in moderation, wine does have some properties that can benefit your health. Registered dietitian Elizabeth Kealey says that the health benefits of wine include reduced risk of heart disease, increased HDL (good cholesterol), reduced formation of LDL (bad cholesterol), reduced blood pressure, improved vascular system, and prevention of certain types of cancers.
Not all wines are created equally when it comes to the health benefits of wine.
The healthful compounds in wine come from the skin of the grapes and the seeds so it follows that red wine will provide more health benefits than whites and pinks. The skins are removed from the grapes during the making of white wines so they don't have the same amount of antioxidants as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir (my favourite), Red Zinfandel (another favourite) or Syrah.
The bottom line is to choose reds for the full health benefits of wine.
There are slight differences in the beneficial content even among the red wines. The variations, note the experts, may result from the fact that phytochemical content can be dependent on the region in which the grape is grown, duration and method of storage as well as characteristics of the grape itself.
Now that we know it is good for us we should drink as much red wine as possible, right? ...Wrong. Aim for moderation. Over-drinking, even a good red wine, can lead to further health problems. The current US secomendations area a glass of wine each day for women, and two glasses of wine for men. Pregnant women should abstain from drinking wine or anything else with alcohol in it. If your ahave a medical condition such as diabetes or a gastrointestinal disorder, better to ask your doctor before drinking. Don't overdo a good thing and lose the health benefits of wine.
You should also talk with your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are taking and whether drinking wine might cause complications.
The use of wine in cooking may affect the health benefits of wine. Some phytochemicals are enhanced by cooking, some unaffected, others unknown. The temperature, ingredients, and time that the wine cooked would all play a role. The main difference is that the quantity of wine used in cooking would be less than enjoying a glass yourself.
If youre on a low-carb diet, you may be able to enjoy toasting your health as well. Many low-carb diet plans do allow measured amounts of alcohol after the initial phase. In addition, the expanded variety of low-carb foods and beverages includes low-carb wines. For example, One nine-ounce Merlot has less than two carbs per glass, and tastes richly of cherries, with a smooth finish. Wine, cheese, a healthy heart, and weight loss: the low carb lifestyle can be pretty sweet?
If you like wine and want to incorporate it into a healthy diet you can...Eat, drink & be thin on the Mediterranean Diet! and enjoy the health benefits of wine
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