Wine~ For Health & Longevity
Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. This is NOT intended to treat, diagnose or substitute medical advice. This information is also NOT to encourage unhealthy, irresponsible drinking. Be smart and consult your Health Care Provider.
Two of the best resources I've ever read that entailed wine education, per se, is "French Women Don't Get Fat," by Mireille Guiliano, and "The Everyday Guide to Wines of California," Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan. Yes, I have read, "Wine for Dummies," which also taught me a great deal! What I appreciate about these wonderful reads, is they emphasize the art, enjoyment, and health of tasting wine. It makes one view the process as more of a special experience, versus a mundane gulping of alcohol with your food. These experts show the culture and structure behind various wines and how to appreciate them for not only their taste but health benefits! Let's take a look at what a glass of wine can hold...
Calorie FYI
Both a 5-ounce glass of wine and a 1.5-ounce serving of distilled spirits have approximately 100 calories each.
A 12-ounce (non-light) beer has approximately 150 calories.
3 Benefits of Red Wine
Reduced risk of death. Polyphenols protect the cardiovascular system. These antioxidants come from the dark skins of grapes, so red wine tends to have a greater concentration of polyphenols than white wine.
Increase HDL or "good" cholesterol. Red wine may reduce the risk of blood clotting, which can lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Wine may block the formation of cancers and slow the growth of tumors. One recent study found that alcohol consumption was associated with a decreased risk of thyroid cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and renal cancer.
* Note: The properties from grape skins are where a wine's concentrated health benefits reside. White wine grapes do offer some antioxidant power. However, red wine comprises more powerful antioxidants, mainly the polyphenol resveratrol, known to be protective of the cardiovascular system.
3 Reasons to Drink Wisely
Alcoholism. Drinking wine or other types of alcohol can possibly lead to alcoholism. It’s a physical, generational, and spiritual matter that can negatively affect a person’s life. Know your family history and your personal limits.
Cardiovascular disease. Drinking 3 or more drinks per day has been shown to raise triglyceride levels, blood glucose levels, increase blood pressure, and increase stroke & heart disease risk.
Alcohol is acidic. The Immune system does not respond well to an acidic environment. Too much alcohol can spur on sickness, due to cells being acidic. High acidity in the body can also create joint pain, inflammation, and acid reflux.
Resources
The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook: https://amzn.to/38keuCW
Wine for Dummies, by Ed McCarthy (2019): https://amzn.to/2UI3WcF
The Everyday Guide to Wine of California: https://amzn.to/37eYaSF
For those of you that struggle with the Sulfites in wine (causing stuffy nose and headaches), Try Wand Wine Filters! By Pure Wine, 8 stick pack: https://amzn.to/2wauTeX
Cheers to your health & longevity!
Cara