Since ancient times, alcohol and other fermented beverages have always been thought to have some health benefits. Upon further scientific investigation, researchers can now confirm that alcohol consumption in moderation can lead to decreased incidences of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain types of cancers. Moderate and regular consumption, which is one to two glasses per night of wine, showed the most benefits with red wine with some lesser effects being seen with moderate beer consumption. The exact mechanisms and components that attribute to these protective benefits are still relatively unknown. However, it is suspected that certain polyphenols or their metabolites are the ones to provide these benefits, which red wine is very rich in. These polyphenols are able to decrease blood pressure, inhibit the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, and inhibit platelet aggregation. Each of these contributes to the preventative effects of cardiovascular diseases. Most of the benefits in cancer prevention are self-reported, and this data is less reliable, however important to jumpstart future studies in this area. In addition to moderate wine consumption, a healthy diet, and lifestyle will allow participants to really reap the full benefits. The researchers made sure to emphasize the fact that these benefits are only seen when wine and beer are consumed in moderation. Those who typically partake in heavy consumption of alcohol should not be encouraged to drink more for health benefits. So if you want to live forever and decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease, crack open a bottle red and have a glass or two a night. This is not real medical advice, but maybe in the future with more research into the benefits of alcohol consumption, your doctor may prescribe you some nightly wine and a listen to Bob Marley's song "Red Red Wine" while you drink.
Arranz, S., Chiva-Blanch, G., Valderas-Martínez, P., Medina-Remón, A., Lamuela-Raventós, R. M., & Estruch, R. (2012). Wine, Beer, Alcohol and Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer. Nutrients, 4(7), 759–781. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu4070759
I liked the reference! Anyway, I find it interesting that something like red wine can be beneficial for your health. When I was talking to Charlie, he told me about a similar study that they talked about with hard alcohol and its positive effect on fighting cardiovascular disease, but in small quantities. I also found myself looking into other foods that have polyphenols like coffee and nuts. I like that there is a reason to drink a glass of wine and feel like I am doing something beneficial for my health! ;)
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ReplyDeleteVery interesting article. I have heard the saying "A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away" so now it makes a lot more sense. I like hoy you emphasize that one should not drink too much and be moderate with their wine drinking or drinking of any sort. A more serious reason to drink in moderation aside from having a hang over is that you can actually increases your chances of getting cancer. The ethanol that is found in wine and other alcoholic beverages is digested into acetaldehyde which is a know carcinogen. Overtime this can lead to damaged DNA cells and the probability of mutations to occur. So yes, enjoy your wine but don't enjoy too much of it too often.
ReplyDeleteSources: https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/red-wine-health-benefits-facts-and-myths.h23-1591413.html
I spent almost two years working for a mom-and-pop wine store and learned a lot about wine. I’ve always been told red wine was supposedly good for you in moderation, but it would be interesting to find out which grape, region, or fermentation process has the most health benefits if any. It would also be interesting to see if the tannins in the wine play any role. Some studies have shown that Tannins have antioxidant properties. (Aires,2020). Antioxidants help reduce cancer by removing free radicals from the body. An interesting thought is that there might be a prescribed wine bottle with your name on it to pick up from the pharmacist in the future.
ReplyDeleteAires A. (2020). Tannins - structural properties biological properties and current knowledge. IntechOpen. Retrieved November 29 2022 from https://www.intechopen.com/books/tannins-structural-properties-biological-properties-and-current-knowledge.