A Glass A Day To Live Longer

Is drinking wine really good for you? And, if so, how much is healthy? If you, like me, enjoy a glass or three of red wine from time to time, these are the questions that we need answered.

It was some years ago that a team of researchers published their findings, regarding the health benefits of red wine, in the journal Nature. They found that, when given to mice, red wine countered some of the negative effects of a high calorie diet. It improved the health of the mice and appeared to increase their lifespan. But it didn’t help the mice to lose weight so there is no way that we are going to drink away those annoying excess pounds. Pity about that.

Previous research had already identified a molecule called resveratrol which is contained in the skins of grapes used to make red wine. Many other red-skinned fruits are also reported to contain healthy polyphenol components. Resveratrol has some remarkable properties, extending the lifespan of yeast by as much as 60%. It has also been found to increase the lifespan of worms and flies by 30% and fish by 60%.

So, does red wine promote longer and healthier lives? More recent research suggests that moderate red wine consumption, of about one glass a day, may help protect us against certain cancers, reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of heart disease. Lots of good reasons why we should each fill a few big wine glasses with our favourite red wines.

One particular study focussed upon the differences between German and French wines. The study found that the French really do appear know something about making healthy red wine as theirs were found to contain higher levels of healthy antioxidants. It is thought that this fact is the underpinning reason why people in certain areas of France, where their diet is high in fat, exhibited a surprisingly lower incidence of heart attacks than other parts of the world. Unfortunately the evidence is inconclusive but it has prompted further studies into this interesting aspect of red wine.

It is the antioxidants in red wine that are responsible for its remarkable healing powers. These neat little healers do a remarkable job. They act to prevent free radicals from causing damage to healthy cells. Free radicals are organic molecules that are responsible for many diseases, aging and tissue breakdown. Free radicals are created by environmental pollution, cigarette smoking, herbicides and even the chemicals contained in some cleaning agents. Lessening the levels of free radicals in our bodies is one key way that we can improve our overall health and well-being and a glass of wine a day can help a lot.

Moderation is the key, as it is in many things. Around one glass a day for women and two glasses a day for men is what is generally considered acceptable. And they are talking about regular wine glasses, not enormous brandy glasses or beer tankard.