Is Drinking Red Wine Good for You?

Oct 5, 2015

(Alternet) - The health benefits of red wine have been debated for some time.

Many believe that a glass each day is a valuable part of a healthy diet, while others think wine is somewhat overrated.

Studies have repeatedly shown that moderate red wine consumption seems to lower the risk of several diseases, including heart disease.

However, there is a fine line between moderate and excessive intake.

What is Red Wine and How is it Made?

Red wine is made by crushing and fermenting dark-colored, whole grapes.

There are many types of red wine, which vary in taste and color. Common varieties include Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Pinot noir and Zinfandel.

The alcohol content usually ranges from 12 – 15 percent.

Consuming moderate amounts of red wine has been shown to have health benefits. This is mainly due to its high content of powerful antioxidants.

The alcohol in wine is also believed to contribute some of the benefits of moderate wine consumption (1).

Bottom Line: Red wine is made by fermenting dark-colored, whole grapes. It is high in antioxidants, and drinking moderate amounts has been shown to be good for health.

The French Paradox

Red wine is often believed to be responsible for the “French paradox.”

This phrase refers to the observation that the French have low rates of heart disease, despite consuming a lot ofsaturated fat and cholesterol (2).

Some experts believed that red wine was the dietary agent protecting the French population from the harmful effects of these nutrients.

However, new studies have shown that dietary cholesterol and saturated fat do not cause heart disease when consumed in reasonable amounts (34).

The true reason behind the good health of the French is probably the fact that they eat more whole foods and live overall healthier lifestyles.

Bottom Line: Some people believe that red wine is responsible for the good health of the French population and that it is the main explanation for the French paradox.

Red Wine Contains Powerful Plant Compounds and Antioxidants, Including Resveratrol


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