Cheers To Good Health

JUPITER, FL – June 29, 2017 – On a recent visit to the Palm Beaches, Dr. Oz stated that drinking red wine every day has “terrific health benefits for your heart and skin.” Of course, this was qualified with the caveat of “health and temperament permitting.” However, the benefits he enumerated are enough to have us reaching for our bottle opener and wine glass.

Antioxidants in red wine act as anti-inflammatory agents protecting cells and helping with the anti-aging process. These antioxidants are found in grape skin and seeds. Red wine is fermented with the skin and seeds longer than white. Simply put, this means that the redder the wine, the more seeds and skin it contains, and the better it is for you.

According to the Mayo Clinic, antioxidants contain polyphenols known as flavonoids, including one called “resveratrol,” which is thought to have benefits for the heart. There is some information to support the claim that resveratrol may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, may help prevent damage to blood vessels, and may even reduce the risk of blood clots. It must be noted that researchers point out there is no proof that red wine helps reduce the risk of heart disease itself.

Red wine is also thought to be good for your skin. Polyphenols in the wine can strengthen the cross-linking of collagen, easing fine lines and wrinkles.

If you cannot drink, don’t worry! There are still ways for you to get the benefits of resveratrol—in a lesser dose. Red and purple grapes, of course, contain polyphenols. Peanuts, blueberries, pomegranates, and cranberries also are good sources for the heart-healthy flavonoids. Even dark chocolate has been found to contain resveratrol.

However, it is important to remember, that red wine, like all good things,  is best in moderation. The Mayo Clinic recommends up to one drink per day for women of all ages. They recommend one drink per day for men older than 65 and up to two drinks a day for men 65 and younger because they tend to weigh more and typically are able to metabolize alcohol faster (www.mayocl.in/247LGUp).

So grab that glass of malbec or pinot, and perhaps a bite or three of dark chocolate. The benefits may be more than just pure enjoyment.

NOTE: Neither the Mayo Clinic nor Dr. Oz recommends that anyone start drinking simply to prevent heart disease. Alcohol can be addicting and can aggravate, or even cause, other health conditions.