We asked Jennifer House, from First Step Nutrition, to weigh in on the age-old question “Can a glass of wine a day keep the doctor away?” Here’s what Jen had to say!
You’ve probably read the headlines: “Wine is good for your heart,” “Drinking wine extends life,” or “Powerful antioxidant resveratrol in red wine.” This all sounds too good to be true…can it be so? Or are we just finding a good excuse to consume more wine….along with some potent cancer-fighting chocolate!?
Epidemiological studies looking at large groups of people do show that those who drink a moderate amount of wine daily have decreases in mortality compared to those who abstain, or drink alcohol in excess. Scientists aren’t totally sure why. It could be that alcohol increases good HDL blood cholesterol, decreases bad LDL blood cholesterol, decreases blood clotting, or reduces blood pressure or insulin levels.
Most researchers believe it’s the alcohol itself, and that any type (in moderation) will have health benefits. However red wine is the highest in antioxidants, which may have additional benefits. Resveratrol being the most well-known antioxidant in wine, and high doses have been linked to longevity and cancer prevention in animals. However a recent study suggests resveratrol has minimal health benefits in humans compared to other more active antioxidants in wine. Procyanidins are the most abundant antioxidants in red wine. Clinical trials have shown that 200–300 mg of these procyanidins per day will lower blood pressure. This can be found in two small (125ml) glasses of a procyanidin-rich red wine, such as a wine from southwest France (check out Chateau de Gaudou). Or…. you could get 200mg of procyanidins by eating one apple!
Wine is also a traditional part of the Mediterranean diet, the healthiest type of eating pattern. And what about the French Paradox? A 60 Minutes broadcast in 1991 theorized that France’s high red wine consumption was the main factor in their lower levels of obesity and heart disease compared to North America. The show resulted in an increase in the demand for red wine around the world! However alcohol consumption in France is lower than in some other countries like Hungary and Germany, where no similar “paradox” is observed. It is possible that the type of red wine consumed most in France has more potent health benefits. The Tannat grape grown in southwest France has very high antioxidant levels.
So there is good evidence that wine is healthy! But this needs to come with a disclaimer….excessive alcohol intake is associated with increase risk of liver disease, heart failure, some cancers, overdose and accidents. So how much is “moderate?” Canada’s Low Risk Alcohol Guidelines recommend maximum 10 drinks a week for women, with no more than 2 drinks most days, and 15 drinks a week for men, with no more than 3 drinks a day most days.
My personal theory is the heart-protecting/life extending factors of wine come from pure stress reduction that a glass of wine provides. I don’t know about you, but ‘happy hour’ makes me both a better chef and parent! So cheers…..to one (or 2) glasses of wine per day!
Originally published at mobilityquotient.com.
