A glass of wine is good for you - or so goes the saying. And it is believed that the French actually drink more wine than they do water. But what wine should you select, and how much can you realistically consume before it goes from being "good for you" to being a "health hazard"?
When it comes to wine, there are three major types to select from, based on color variations: red, white and rose. Red wine ferments the skin and seeds of the grape, along with the pulp, for a longer period than white wine. This usually makes red wines heavier than white wines. This also makes red wines richer in antioxidants, including flavonoids and nonflavonoids like resveratrol. Flavonoids are antioxidants found in wines and in fruits like grapes, oranges and apples as well as tea and cocoa. Nonflavonoids found in red wine may prevent blockage in arteries. One such nonflavonoid is resveratrol. Resveratrol in wine comes from the skin of the grapes used to make wine. Because red wine is fermented using grape skins for a longer period than white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol.
However, if you still prefer cracking open a bottle of wine as opposed to grape juice, then do so while you're eating. Meal times are the best times for wine to be consumed, as food allows antioxidants to be better absorbed by the body. Keep in mind that, as with any other alcohol, benefits can be felt only when consumed in small quantities. However, it's not only the antioxidants in the wine that can be good for you. There is also evidence that ethanol, or the alcohol component of wine, can increase high-density lopoprotein (HDL) or the "good cholesterol." Again, the effects of this can be seen only when combined with a good diet and plenty of physical exercise.
If moderation is the key to better health, then how much is an acceptable portion size? With regards to wine, a single glass is five ounces. According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, by HHS and the US Department of Agriculture, if you do consume alcohol, one glass a day for women and two glasses a day for a man is the maximum limit recommended. But what about the calories in each glass? Dry red wine does come in the highest with 83 calories per glass. Dry white wine has 77, and Rose has 82 calories per glass. If you are careful with your diet and exercise, consuming a glass a day can be factored into your meal plans.
In countries like France and the Mediterranean regions of Greece and Cyprus, a healthy diet and a glass or two of wine a day is a must. By contrast, in America, with a diet rich in fats, carbohydrates and processed meals, over-consumption of alcohol can become an issue. Associations like the American Heart Association will not condone the consumption of alcohol. And it's true that if consumed frequently, alcohol can become addictive and contribute to weight gain. Too much alcohol can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, liver and heart diseases.
While one glass a day of red or white wine may be good for you, if you already have health issues including blood pressure, cholesterol or heart conditions, suffer from migraines or are pregnant, you may want to consider skipping any alcohol and getting these same health benefits from fresh fruit and vegetables. If you are in good physical and mental health, a glass of red wine could be just what the doctor ordered.
