The Effects of Drinking Wine on Your Health

Wine has been with us throughout history.  In the last decade scientist are now telling us what mankind has known for centuries.  A glass of wine has  its health benefits, but taken in large quantities these health benefits are compromised.

Saying all that, one would conclude the more wine the better.  Not so!!  As with any food or drink it’s all in proportion. Too much of a “good thing” can be harmful to one’s health.  But some wines are better than others just like some foods we consume have higher vitamins content and are better for us. Just because a food or drink is good for us doesn’t give us the green light to “pig out” or get “intoxicated”.  Taken in moderation is certainly is beneficial of your health.

It is the red wines, rich in flavonoids that are best for our health.  Red wines also contain antioxidants and together help the body resist viruses, carcinogens, cancer, cardiovascular disease and many maladies such as allergens.

It is the dry red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir that contain the highest antioxidants and flavonoids.  White wines carry health benefits as well but not as many as the red wines, though the dry Merlot and dry red Zinfandel varieties do carry more than most white wine.

It is noted that the longevity of the peoples in France is due to the consumption of their wine in “proportion”.   A high procyanidin (antioxidant) content in French wines led to much research to the many health benefits of wine in our health.  Many health providers promote a one or two four ounce glass of wine per day for men and one four ounce glass for woman. I do know many women who would dispute that discrepancy for women.

It is fascinating phenomena, this nectar from the grape and can be a bit intimidating as so many countries in the world are now in the wine making business and doing an excellent job.  So many different grapes and blends of grapes grown in many different soil types and weather conditions.

So much to choose from and enjoy.  Its not a fountain of youth, but its worth a “toast” to start trying some of them.  “To your health”