Red Wine Health
The Origin of Red Wine Benefits - The French Paradox
Studies on Mediterranean lifestyles have supplied the most influential data in red wine health. In these regions, specifically France, doctors discovered that although diets are often contain high saturated fat content, the consumers have suprisingly low levels of cholesterol. Unlike their American counterpart, the French suffer from a much lower percentage of heart-related disease. This discovery allowed medical experts to identify a direct link between the health of the heart and the consumption of red wine.
While consistent consumption of red wine has shown proven health benefits, there is certainly a fine line between healthy, moderate consumption and alcohol abuse. The fact that red wine contains Resveratrol does not mean that it should be over used with the hopes of decreased health problems. The French are known to drink just a glass of red wine per day with a meal. This is considered a proper and moderate amount of red wine consumption that allows consumers to receive the added benefit of the Resveratrol anti-oxidant.
Why are Antioxidants Important?
Oxygen by-products, known as free radicals, can be harmful to the body and lead to the development of serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants have the ability to counteract these free radicals, neutralizing them and eliminating the potential harmful effects.
Antioxidants in Red Wine
Antioxidants in red wine are found in the skin and the seeds of the grapes. Because of the red colouring, the antioxidants in red grapes are higher, in the same way that beetroot and carrots also have a high level of antioxidants. As the grapes ferment, the skin and seeds are fermented into the wine mixture, giving the wine a high concentration of flavonoids, antioxidants and ultimately Presveratrol. This concentration of Presveratrol is known to decrease saturated fat and cholesterol within arteries. This fights build up (blood clots) and promotes good heart health due to sustained and efficient blood flow.
