This is an oldie but goodie -red wine for the heart!

I am asked on a regular basis if alcohol is good for the body.  I actually have one older gentleman that asks me every month if he can drink a fifth of scotch with his medicine…but that is a different story.

Why red wine?

Most studies have shown that red wine is the most cardioprotective.  Red wine contains phenolic and flavonoids that have antithrombotic and antioxidants properties.  These properties help protect the heart by increasing good cholesterol (HDL), decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL) and decreasing the risk of clotting (that can lead to heart attacks and stroke).

The dryer (less sweet) red wines have the most phenolic and flavonoid properties.

How much?

Moderation!  Which means….No more than one drink daily for women and two for men.  It is best to drink with a meal.

Can I drink more than that?

I do heart red wine!  However, when we drink more than the recommended amount -alcohol can quickly go from friend to foe.   It can lead to an increase in mortality by causing high blood pressure, increased fat in blood (triglycerides), alcoholism, stroke, breast cancer, etc.

Should I drink red wine?

Talk with your pharmacist or physician, there are groups of people that should just avoid alcohol all together but for the rest of us…

If you already drink alcoholic beverages -then go ahead and switch over to red wine (remembering moderation 🙂 ).

If you do not drink, then most likely you should not start.

Most of the benefits of alcohol can be found with lifestyle changes, exercise and aspirin.

Just a note:  Many people “take” alcohol to help them sleep.  Alcohol often helps people fall asleep -however, it usually leads to a fitful and all over poor quality of sleep.  The adverse effects of sleep deprivation the following day are still seen in people that “drink to sleep.”

So, we have health benefits from red wine, chocolate and coffee…all my faves!  Now, if only cupcakes were healthy 🙂

Do you have any questions or comments?  Please holla at us!

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