Red Wine Has Many Health Benefits

Researchers have shown that a glass of red wine each day will reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent cancer. One of the most studied antioxidents in red wine is resveratrol, a compound found in the seeds and skins of grapes. Red wine has a high concentration of resveratrol because the skins and seeds ferment in the grapes' juices during the red wine-making process. This prolonged contact during fermentation produces significant levels of resveratrol in the finished red wine. White wine also contains resveratrol, but the seeds and skins are removed early in the white wine-making process, reducing the concentration of the compound in the finished white wine.

Antioxidants, like resveratrol, are beneficial in preventing harmful elements in the body from attacking healthy cells. Found in red wine, peanuts, blueberries and cranberries, resveratrol is easily absorbed by the human body. The antioxidant properties of resveratrol also offer certain health benefits in the prevention of heart disease and the reduction of lung tissue inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Another health benefit of red wine is its connection with cancer prevention. It seems the anti-cancer properties of resveratrol work on several different levels: minimizing the DNA mutations that lead to cancer, inducing cell death in cancer cells, and blocking the formation of new blood vessels that "feed" tumors. Large studies are still required to prove the cancer prevention properties of resveratrol, but early results show promise.

A new article released by the NY Times June 18th 2008 states that "resveratrol, a compound present in grapes and red wine, appears to inhibit the development of fat cells and have other anti-obesity properties, according to a report from researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany...." To read more about this topic please click here http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/red-wine-may-curb-fat-cells/

Cabernet Sauvignon's, Merlot's, Syrah/Shiraz and Pinot Noirs are known to have higher levels of anitoxidents (resveratrol) in them than some of their fellow red wine varietal types. So whether your an avid red wine drinker or learning to appreciate red wine, a glass of red wine a day will keep the doctor away! Buon Vino!