People drink wine for celebrations. Whenever there are fancy dinners, the wine will always be on the table. Wine relaxes the mind and keeps the conversation during dinners going. But aside from these benefits, it also has some benefits for your heart.
When it comes to healing the body, alcohol is rarely talked about. However, studies have shown that in moderation, wine is linked to have benefits to the human body, especially to the heart.
Heart benefits
How does wine help in keeping a healthy heart? Antioxidants in wine, called polyphenols, help in protecting the lining in the blood vessels in the heart. Resveratrol, a polyphenol, is a substance in wine that affects heart health in general. It is found to prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol.
Reports and researches confirmed in 2000 that drinking wine in moderation reduces the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. According to Annals of Internal Medicine, Swedish researches also reported that light wine drinkers cut their risk of prematurely dying by almost one-third. These people also have a lower mortality rate for cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.
The European Heart Journal issued in 2000 that wine dilates the arteries and increases blood flow, which reduces blood clots that cut off the flow of blood supply and damages the muscles of the heart.
In May 2000, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior issued that grapes boost HDL levels, good cholesterol, and help reduce bad cholesterol. Research in Amsterdam tested 275 people with an average age of 32. Those who drank 2 glasses of wine every day have higher levels of good cholesterol.
Also, the American Society of Microbiology published in April 2016 that red wine can reduce heart disease because of the resveratrol present in the wine. It changes the gut microbiome. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
Furthermore, a study in the Israel Institute of Technology found that after 21 consecutive days of consuming wine, the health of blood vessels of the participants was enhanced, which in turn improved blood flow. It increased the health of the heart and reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
In moderation
Everything that people consume must be in moderation. Although wines have resveratrol that is good for the heart, too much wine can also lead to other ailments and diseases in the body.
You have to understand that there are differences for those drinkers and non-drinkers who are only starting. Non-drinkers might already have health problems and drinking wine can only aggravate these problems.
Even the American Heart Association discourages non-drinkers to start drinking wine immediately because of the potential risks that are associated with alcohol. These risks include alcoholism, stroke, and accidents. However, those who are used to drinking can continue drinking wine, but moderately.
Drinking too much alcohol can also lead to other problems, such as liver diseases, pancreas diseases, heart failure, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke, and weight gain. You should also avoid alcohol completely if you are pregnant, a family history of alcoholism, a weak heart, or when you are taking medications.
Again, everything should be in moderation. For healthy adults, women of all ages can have up to one glass a day. Men older than 65 can have up to one glass a day. And for men who are younger than 65, they can have up to 2 glasses a day. In case you’re wondering, the limit for men is higher because they generally weigh more than women.
List of wines
As mentioned above, wines have health benefits to offer. But you have to take into consideration that wines are not equal, and that each kind has its significant health benefits. Here is a list of wines you can take for your heart health.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
It is the most popular red wine in the world that’s made from red grapes and has high levels of procyanidins antioxidant compounds. A research in Spain, published in March 2005, found that procyanidins antioxidant compounds reduced LDL and triglycerides. Cabs also have notable levels of resveratrol, which assures you that this wine is good for your heart.
A good wine to try is the 1997 Caymus Special Selection California Red Wine, which is dense, ripe and concentrated. Other Cabs to try are 1994 Abreu, 1995 Colgin Herb Lamb Vineyard, and 1997 Araujo Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is considered to be the healthiest wine. The main reason for this is that the grapes used in Pinot Noir have the highest levels of resveratrol. Another reason is that since Pinot Noirs are produced using a different method than other red wines, then they have lower sugar levels and lower cholesterol.
Wines to try are 2016 Ransom Wine Co. Jigsaw Pinot Noir and 2018 Montsecano Refugio Pinot Noir for cheaper bottles. If you have a huge budget for your Pinot Noir, then you can try 2010 DRC Romanee Conti and 1999 Armand Rousseau Chambertin.
- Merlot
Although Pinot Noir is the healthiest, if you like Merlot, you can still drink this wine and get health benefits. The grapes of this wine are also found to have high levels of resveratrol, so you still get heart benefits from this wine. You can try Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia Masseto Super Tuscans or 2016 Guado Al Tasso Bolgheri Cont’ Ugo as a cheaper alternative.
Takeaway
Wines are not only good sources of fun and conversations, but they are also good for health, especially the heart. Just remember to drink wine in moderation and check with your doctor for any complication with drinking wine.
