Questions about selecting wines for heart health are raised by research linking moderate consumption to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease. When it comes to heart health, wine can be a good option, but excessive consumption can lead to multiple health problems. For this reason, scientists have tried to identify what could be called “the effective ingredient” in red wine. Is there a way to get the health benefits associated with wine, without the health risks? The answer is yes”.
Scientists believe that the health benefits of wine are related to a substance called “resveratrol.” Over the past five years, resveratrol has been the subject of thousands of laboratory studies. It is found in grapes, berries, peanuts and other plants.
First identified in 1963 by scientists evaluating the efficacy of a folk Asian medicine called ko-jo-kon, resveratrol was later found in grapevines and finally, in 1992, in red wine. Suggestions for the best selection of wines for heart health are determined by the known resveratrol content. Reds contain more than whites. In terms of heart health, wine made from Pinot Noir grapes is believed to be the best, because it has the highest resveratrol content.
It is interesting to note that grape juice does not contain resveratrol. Researchers cannot fully explain this, as it is found in fresh grapes. It could have something to do with the fermentation process or the types or parts of the grapes used. The bottom line is that for heart health, wine is more beneficial than grape juice.
The benefit of resveratrol for the plant is known. It acts as an antibiotic, protecting the plant from diseases, fungal and viral infections. The benefits to humans are still being studied. There have been positive reports in the Oxford Journal of Medicine and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. These reports indicate that there may be many benefits.
The main reason a red wine selection is recommended for home health may be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol. Researchers have linked chronic inflammation to both heart disease and cancer.
Resveratrol is also an antioxidant, helping the body remove free radicals and other disease-causing products from the bloodstream. In laboratory studies, it has been shown to actually prevent cells from transforming into precancerous forms. So it’s not just for heart health, wine consumed in moderation can prevent some forms of cancer.
Multiple studies have linked resveratrol with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerosis. When doctors recommend a moderate consumption for heart health, a selection of wines for heart health, or resveratrol supplements, they recommend a four-ounce glass of wine a day or a supplement that contains the same amount of resveratrol.
In most red wines, each ounce contains around 160 mcg per ounce. While no upper limit has been set for resveratrol intake, 640 mcg is acceptable for daily human consumption. This is the amount found in 4 ounces of red wine.
If you are concerned about wine selection for heart health, there are some good health supplements on the market that contain resveratrol and other vitamins, herbs, and minerals that promote heart health. Wine consumption is just one way to get resveratrol. It is also present in relatively large amounts in peanuts, but it is important to watch total dietary fat intake and peanuts are very high in fat. For more information on how to protect yourself from heart disease, visit Heart Health Diet Tips.com.
