Is Red Wine Good For Your Heart?

At this point, we’ve probably all read numerous articles about red wine.

Is it healthy? Is it not? If it is, how much should we drink? If it isn’t, then what’s all the hype about?

Honestly, by the time we make up our minds, we’ll be old and worn and unable to get to the wine store.

From what I’ve read and heard, I agree with the ones who are saying red wine is heart healthy and I partake in drinking an occasional glass.

I’ll try to summarize it here…

Research has suggested that drinking red wine in moderation appears to help your heart. It's possible that antioxidants, such as flavonoids may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. Additionally, a plant chemical or polyphenol called resveratrol, may have heart-healthy benefits.

Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps to prevent the following risk factors for heart disease:

• reduces "bad" cholesterol
• prevents blood clots
• protects from obesity and diabetes (both of which are strong risk factors for heart disease)
• reduces the risk of inflammation

Studies have also shown that resveratrol may:

• work as an anti-aging elixir
• inhibit the growth of cancer cell lines and tumors
• help your body get rid of carcinogens
• protect brain cells
• reduce insulin resistance

The resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of grapes used to make wine. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than is white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol.

Foods that contain resveratrol may have the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine, although the amount of resveratrol in food and wine can vary widely. They include:

• red and purple grapes
• dark grape juice
• peanuts
• berries such as blueberries, cranberries and mulberries

It is important to note that you must also practice a healthy lifestyle – eat well, exercise, don’t smoking and do not drink alcohol in excess. If you abide by these rules, then a healthy dose of resveratrol may just give you an edge in longevity and a healthy heart.

So… enjoy a glass of red wine, cook with it, or start making dark grapes a part of your diet.

While I’m on the subject, I’d like to invite you ladies to an upcoming Ladies Night Out that I am hosting along with Wine Styles in Naperville.

Here are the details:

What:  Ladies Night Out: Healthy Appetizers and Wines With Which to Pair Them

When: Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 6-8 p.m.

Why: Being Healthy Is Fun & Festive!

Where: Wine Styles, 2775 Show Place Drive (near the movie theater on 95th Street), Naperville, IL 60564

Please join us to sample and get ideas for healthy appetizers for the holidays... and for wines with which to pair them!  

Hosted by: Nutrition and Health Counseling (Debbie Slutzky, CHHC) and Wine Styles (Debra Wierus-O'Neill, Owner)

Please RSVP to me ASAP at:  Debbie@NutritionAndHealthCounseling.com