Red Wine for Heart Health

Posted on September 20th, 2007 by admin

Many studies have shown that moderate amount of red wine can lower the risk of heart attack for people in the middle age by 30 to 50 percent. Studies also showed that red wine can raise HDL cholesterol (the Good cholesterol) and prevent LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) from forming. Red wine may help prevent blood clots and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits.

So what is it that red wine have that is good for our heart health?

Red wine has a rich source of a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol. One study has found that resveratrol lengthened the lives of mice by 30 percent. The mice under study can run twice as far during exercise. The researchers found that resveratrol strengthen their muscles, reduced their heart rates, and gave them a boost in endurance.

A study of men and women from Finland showed that resveratrol operates the same way in humans. Resveratrol also has other benefits such as preventing weight gain and reducing the effects of aging. It can help you to maitain your ideal weight and avoid developing the symptoms of diabetes and obesity.

Aside from red wine, good sources of resveratrol are blueberries, cranberries, bilberries, and red grapes.

Should you start drinking more red wine now then?

Do NOT start the habit of drinking alcohol If you don’t already drink alcohol. Studies showed that alcohol drinking may increase triglycerides (another Bad blood lipids) and result in weight gain and increase the risk of cancer.

If you already drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Only one to two drinks per day. One drink = one glass of wine.