Wine, if used properly and in moderation, and depending on the person, is excellent for both health and disease.’
Hippocrates, 460-377 BC, The Father of Medicine
We have combined it with family gatherings on Sundays, with evening outings, with laughter, with friends. No house is without its wine, and to be sure, there’s a very good reason why for Greeks and others it is a favourite accompaniment. Indeed, ‘no one can have just one’, is something we often hear said, as an excuse to refill the glass.
On the other hand, it is not unusual for us to be bombarded with information about wine, and alcohol in general, and the effects it may have on our health.
What is really happening?
It seems that the answer comes to us from long ago, when Hippocrates stated that “Wine, if used properly and in moderation, depending on the person, is excellent for both health and disease.”
The truth is somewhere inbetween.
There is evidence to support the health-promoting effect of low to moderate alcohol consumption, especially when it comes to heart problems, and coronary heart disease in particular. Of all alcoholic beverages, however, it seems that the consumption of wine is to be preferred, and not without reason.
A small daily consumption of wine during meals, a feature of the traditional Greek diet, seems to prevail, as wine contains not only alcohol, but also other health-promoting substances with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols and specifically resveratrol, with beneficial action on health.
So what are the health benefits of a moderate consumption of wine?
Improving the health of the heart
By increasing omega-3 fatty acid levels in the plasma and red blood cells, wine appears to protect against coronary heart disease and reduce cardiometabolic risk.
In addition, according to researchers, the consumption of wine can protect the brain from damage after a stroke. Resveratrol appears to be behind increases in the production of an enzyme that protects nerve cells from damage to the brain.
Caution: If low to moderate alcohol consumption is beneficial, excessive consumption has the opposite effect. With a glass or two a day, the risk of arterial heart disease can be reduced, but beyond this limit, it increases significantly.
Protection against type 2 diabetes.
Resveratrol appears to improve insulin sensitivity, one of the major contributors to the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Protection against various forms of cancer.
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer and improved lung function
It seems that moderate consumption of wine reduces the chances of developing these forms of cancer, while the positive connection with the consumption of red wine in particular has been shown.
Anti-ageing
Surprising, yet true!
The anti-ageing properties of wine have interested people for over a thousand years. Monasteries throughout Europe believed that the longevity of their monks, compared to the rest of the population, was due in part to the systematic and moderate consumption of wine.
Another antioxidant found in wine, procyanidins, appears to maintain the health of blood vessels, and is one of the factors contributing to the longer life expectancy enjoyed by people in Sardinia and southwestern France.
Reduction of the risk of depression.
Prevention of dementia.
The researchers explained that resveratrol reduces platelet adhesion, and helps to keep blood vessels open and flexible. This in turn helps maintain a good blood supply to the brain.
Both white and red wine contain resveratrol, but red wine contains much more. Red grape peel has very high levels of resveratrol. During the production process of red wine, the skins are not removed in the early stages of the process.
But what does ‘moderate consumption’ of wine mean?
Moderate consumption is defined as the consumption of 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.
However, this does not mean that if you do not consume alcohol for one or more days, you can transfer the number of permitted daily drinks and consume them together.
It should be noted that when alcohol consumption exceeds moderation, the above benefits cease to apply.
Choose to consume wine as an accompaniment to your main meals. In this way, alcohol is absorbed at a slower rate.
It seems, therefore, that we should not fear a moderate consumption of wine. It offers many health benefits, both physical and mental.
And remember that wine is the best choice compared to other alcoholic beverages.
But always when consumed in moderation!
Cheers to your health!
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not concerned with consumption recommendations. For specialised or personalised information, consult your doctor or dietitian.
