THE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS

'Various studies have concluded that wine in moderation— and red wine in particular—is an excellent defence against heart disease'

By DaVE BIggs

red, red WIne

Winter is when we drink more red wine than usual. Here’s a recap on why red wine is good for you

For many years health professionals have pondered the phenomenon they refer to as “the French paradox.” is is the curious fact that the traditional French lifestyle appears to be everything the doctors tell us to avoid, but the incidence of heart disease is far lower in France than in most overtly health-conscious countries.

e French tend to eat foods high in fats and carbohydrates—paté, charcuterie, red meat, rich sauces, high cholesterol foods—and the illusion that every suave Frenchman has a smouldering cigarette (probably a smelly Gauloise) dangling from his lips doesn’t help matters. All this would bring on heart attacks anywhere else on earth, but the French seem almost immune to coronary problems. What’s the secret?

Th e answer is good news for wine lovers. Th e French lifestyle also includes a glass of wine with every meal. Various studies have concluded that wine in moderation—and red wine in particular—is an excellent defence against heart disease. Wine contains powerful antioxidants (one called resveratrol) that breaks down the plaque build-up in veins and arteries, which causes poor circulation and contributes to heart attacks.

Th at same antioxidant property is said to prevent Alzheimer’s and improve memory. Th is should come as no surprise, considering that our brains depend on a healthy blood supply to function properly, so plaque-free blood vessels help keep us mentally alert.

On top of helping our bodies ght against heart disease and Alzheimer’s, the list of red wine health bene ts is a long one. So, as you sip your Shiraz, here are some more facts to read on why you should be enjoying it even more.

1. Keeps you slim: Studies conducted at Harvard Medical School claim that resveratrol in red wine helps when it comes to losing weight–particularly in women. Researchers examined 20,000 women over 13 years and saw that those who drank two glasses of wine daily were 70% less likely to be overweight.

2. helps regulate blood sugar:

Resveratrol is also thought to control blood sugar levels in people su ering from diabetes. One study showed that subjects who took 250mg of resveratrol supplements once daily for three months had lower glucose levels in blood than those who did not.

3. reduces the risk of cancer: Regular and moderate consumption of red wine can also e ectively reduce the risks of certain types of cancers such as basal cell, colon, prostrate carcinoma, and ovarian. Scientists used a dose of resveratrol on human cancer cells and found that it obstructs the key action of a cancer aiding protein.

4. reduces depression: A study carried out on middle-aged to elderly people showed that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol daily keeps away depression. A 2013 study on 5505 people over 7 years showed that those who drank between 2–7 glasses of wine each week had lower levels of depression.

5. has positive effects on the digestive

system: e anti-bacterial nature of red wine enables it to treat stomach irritation and other digestive disorders. A 2018 study showed that polyphenols in red wine can improve the gut microbiota, contributing to a healthy gut. And, according to 2012 research, red wine compounds may also act as prebiotics, which are compounds that boost healthy gut bacteria.

Before you start dancing with glee and sharpening your corkscrew, remember the part near the beginning of this article that mentioned “a glass of wine with every meal.” A glass. Not a bottle. Part of the French paradox’s secret lies in moderation.

Of course, when you decide to put a limit on the wine you are going to have with your meal you’re more likely to select a quality product, one that enhances the dish you’re enjoying even more. And why not? A quality wine can turn a casual meal—a crumbed pork chop, a tomato bredie, even a Hawaiian hamburger or a grilled cheese, tomato and onion sandwich—into a memorable gourmet experience.

Lastly, and on the point of limiting your intake of red wine, remember that even health advice should be taken in moderation.

Illustration by: Chloe Damstra