Red Wine: A Friend with Benefits

Meet my friend, Merlot.

Many studies investigated the benefits of red wine suggested that moderate amount of red wine (one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men) lowers the risk of heart attack for people in middle age by 30 to 50 percent. It is also suggested that alcohol such as red wine may prevent additional heart attacks if you have already suffered from one. Wine alters the blood lipid levels. It lowers the total cholesterol count, and raises the high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. 

Red wine is a particularly rich source of antioxidants.

Resveratrol:  Found in grape skins and seeds, increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) and prevents blood clotting.

Polyphenols in wine:  In short, they lower total cholesterol and blood pressure, lessen risks of cancer, stimulate the immune system, and have anti-bacterial properties.

Flavonoids: Red grapes contain flavonoids, also powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives and work to prevent blood clotting.

Anti-stress: Wine does have a calming influence (You think?). The fact that a dinner is accompanied by a drink which helps the body relax and unwind can help the mental transition between work and relaxation. Also, people fighting other illnesses can combat them better when calm and focused.

Please remember to drink responsibly and in moderation.

Stay thirsty my friends.