So you say you drink wine for its ‘health benefits’. Most commonly, people are referring to the health benefit demonstrated by the phenomenon of the “French Paradox”. However, there is growing information about wine’s other benefits. redwinebuzz.com boils it down to the basics and introduces some mitigating facts, but we’re not out to be a buzz kill.
The French Paradox is the most commonly know issue relating to wine’s health benefits. Simply put, the French Paradox is embodied in the following: People in southern France eat a lot of cheeses, butter, ‘organ meats’ (i.e. liver, etc) eggs and other tasty things loaded with cholesterol. We know how bad cholesterol is for you and a diet high in these things causes narrowing or clogging of arteries, most critically those feeding the muscle of the heart (coronary arteries). The paradox is, then, that for the amount of ‘bad’ fats and cholesterol these people consume, they have lower rates of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) than people with similar diets elsewhere.
Numerous studies compared various factors in the lives of the southern French and other groups who had higher rates of CHD. They concluded that the only thing that was different in the lives of the southern French was that they regularly consume moderate amounts (2-3 glasses) of wine. Interesting enough, these studies showed that there is a very narrow ‘sweet spot’ when it comes to the health benefits of wine, stressing that the keys here are regularity and moderation. Namely, people consuming less than the 2-3 glasses daily average had no measurable benefit from drinking red wine and those consuming more than that amount not only lost the heart health benefit but had increased risk of diabetes, liver disease, stomach ulcers and dying from alcohol-related cancers.
What we know about why red wine is beneficial to health is focused around the following notions: Wine contains catechins (or flavanoids) – chemicals naturally occurring in plants - which act as antioxidants: neutralizing those chemicals in our body which, by reacting with our tissues and DNA, can cause disease. Wine is also an anticoagulant, it reduces the bloods ability to clot. This is also referred to as a ‘blood thinning’ effect in popular use. This effect is complemented by alcohol’s ability to dilate blood vessels (make them relax and increase their diameter, and substances which have this effect are referred to as vasodilators). Other substances in wine have been shown to boost the immune system which in turn helps the body protect against disease. This is not to be read as protection against infection, but rather as an increased ability of the body to catch and reverse minute changes in cells and tissues which could potentially develop into cancers or other serious problems (the immune system plays this role in the body as well, which is why people with AIDS develop rare cancers – their incapacitated immune systems cannot prevent it). Finally, some of the compounds contained in wine stimulate production of estrogen (yes, even in men). This may help protect the heart in the same way women are protected from CHD before menopause (when their own estrogens are in a normal range).
Other studies which have not been as widely reproduced or publicized, indicate that moderate red wine consumption can reduce incidence of stomach ulcers cause by the bacteria helicobacter pylori, improve bone density for post-menopausal women, reduce prostate enlargement in men, reduce the risk of diabetes and reduce the risk of a stroke by the same mechanisms it reduces the risk of CHD. A recent Spanish study stated that the moderate level of red wine consumption provides 7% - 8% of daily dietary fiber.
And now for some not-so-good news: Remember that ‘sweet spot’? It really is a key concept. Wine contains alcohol and over the last few decades, alcohol content in California wines has increased from 12% - 13% to over 14% (check redwinebuzz.com soon for an article on this and the new trend to reduce alcohol levels in wine). Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It reduces inhibitions and judgment and should not be taken with a number of medications (ask your doctor or check the warning label). Alcohol itself is an irritant to the stomach (so see your doctor, not your wine merchant, about that stomach ache). Some ingredients in wine, such as phosphates, can cause headaches in people sensitive to them. No wine is phosphate-free. (check redwinebuzz.com soon for a learning module about wine making). People on certain medications may have serious reactions to a compound called tyramine if they drink wine. This substance is found in many aged foods and red wine. Belonging to the histamine family, it acts as a vasodilator. Alone, it’s harmless, but in the presence of certain medications, it can cause serious, potentially life-threatening, problems with blood pressure. Finally, we come full circle to the alcohol issue. Excessive alcohol intake causes alcohol-related diseases: pancreatitis, gastritis and ulcers, cirrhosis, liver, oral, pancreatic, stomach and esophageal cancers. This typically happens after prolonged, chronic and excessive use. But nobody becomes and alcoholic over night so moderation is essential.
Wine is a beautiful thing meant for adults to enjoy in a responsible manner. When consumed in moderation, it carries many benefits beyond pure sensory enjoyment. We have revealed just the tip of the iceberg of information about wine and health. Obviously, there are differing opinions. An informed consumer also knows to ask the right questions. Among them is: “Why is this person saying this?” No doubt, awareness of the fact that moderate consumption of wine has beneficial effects on health bolsters wine sales. On the other side of the issue, for decades, the American medical community refused to acknowledge what the research was saying and adamantly and categorically denied any benefit of moderate wine consumption. This was not only because that community is not prone to sudden and rapid change but also possibly due to personal beliefs and biases about alcohol on the part of its members. However, truth lies in the moderate middle ground: wine, consumed in moderate amounts and in a responsible manner has scientifically demonstrated health benefits. It is by no means a ‘cure-all’ and the benefits probably do not substantiate an abstainer to start drinking 2-3 glasses daily. The best way to keep your heart healthy is to follow the dietary and lifestyle recommendations of the American Heart Association. And if you like, have a little wine for thy body’s sake.
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