Drinking red wine in moderation has often been associated with health benefits – everything from helping to prevent heart disease and cancer to boosting memory and cognitive function. Early wine drinkers from centuries B.C. realized that wine was a safer alternative to water which often had questionable sources and dangerous bacteria levels. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks also relied on wine as a form of medicine. Today, although we don’t use wine as medicine or worry too much about the safety of water, red wine is still a popular beverage with bonus health benefits.
Nutritional and scientific researchers across several medical professions have confirmed many of the health benefits of red wine as the result of data-driven research. Here is a summary of what they have to say along with where you can find additional information.
Red Wine and Coronary Heart Disease
Improving heart health is perhaps what we think of most often when considering the benefits of red wine. According to Mayo Clinic Staff, “The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks.” How does this work? The antioxidant resveratrol, a plant compound with antioxidant properties that is found in the red grape skin and red grape juice, is thought to protect the heart’s blood vessels by boosting levels of HDL which is often called “good” cholesterol. This, in turn, helps lower levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol that is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Other research seems to indicate that resveratrol might also reduce inflammation and blood clotting, also lowering the risk of heart disease. (“Red Wine Consumption and Cardiovascular Health,” Molecules, 2019.)
To read the remainder of this article and other premium articles in their entirety, pick up the March 2025 issue of Julien’s Journal. Single issues are available in print at area newsstands, or you can click here to read the digital version.
Read Julien’s Journal from the Comfort of Your Home!
Click to subscribe for convenient delivery to your home or business by mail or call 563.557.7571.
Comment here