Red wine, in moderation, has been considered "heart healthy" since the 1970's. What is moderation, you ask? Approximately 4 ounces per day.
Antioxidants in red wine may help prevent coronary artery disease (the condition that leads to heart attacks).
Part of the benefit might be that antioxidants may increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) and protect against cholesterol buildup. Many doctors agree that something in red wine appears to help your heart. It's possible that antioxidants, such as flavonoids or a substance called resveratrol, have heart-healthy benefits.
How is red wine heart healthy?
Antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one substance in red wine that's gotten attention. Red wine seems to have heart-healthy benefits... but it's possible that red wine isn't any better than beer or liquor for heart health. There's still no clear evidence that red wine is better than other forms of alcohol when it comes to possible heart-healthy benefits.
Various studies have shown that moderate amounts of all types of alcohol benefit your heart, not just alcohol found in red wine. It's thought that alcohol:
Raises HDL (healthy) cholesterol
Reduces the formation of blood clots
Helps prevent artery damage caused by high levels of LDL (harmful) cholesterol
May improve the function of the layer of cells that line your blood vessels (endothelium)
Neither the American Heart Association nor the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends that you start drinking alcohol just to prevent heart disease. Alcohol can be addictive and can cause or worsen other health problems.
Drinking too much alcohol increases your risk of:
Liver and pancreas diseases
Heart failure
High blood pressure
Certain types of cancer
Stroke
My advice... If you are going to drink, choose red wine. Specifically, opt for Pinot Noir or Sardinian Cannonau. The aforementioned contain more polyphenols than any other wine. Don't drink everyday. Limit yourself to one glass (4-6 ounces).
Cheers!
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