Health Benefits of Wine

Wine is generally used for celebratory occasions and with meals. But, what about drinking wine for your health?

Medical studies show wine can be beneficial to your health. The studies were initiated by what is known as the "French Paradox." The diet of the French people was found to be high in fat content but they had low incidences of coronary disease. Medical experts concluded that the regular consumption of wine had an effect.

The studies show that a moderate amount of wine decreases a person's risk of coronary disease including strokes. It was also found that an individual's death rate from cardiovascular disease decreases by 36 percent and cancer by 18 to 24 percent.

The term moderate amount is used because no definitive amount has been acknowledged by medical experts. Studies are ongoing. One finding is that if wine is consumed during a meal, it helps the system to combat the effects of fatty foods during digestion. Studies also point out that the antioxidants in wine can have a positive effect on the body.

Remember that wine is an alcoholic beverage. Check with your physician before deciding to drink wine for health reasons. There are some medical conditions in which it may not be advisable to consume alcohol.

As a result of the ongoing studies of wine and its effect on an individual's health, it has been said that drinking wine in moderation reduces the risks of developing many diseases, especially those related to heart disease. In those instances where appropriate, as discussed with your physician, wine can be incorporated into a healthy diet.

No one has made a definitive statement as to how much wine should be consumed in moderation. The numbers most often given are 1 to 2 glasses a day for health benefits.

Wine was used for medicinal purposes early in its history. It is carrying this legacy through the centuries. Not only do we use wine to celebrate important or festive occasions or to add enjoyment to culinary delights, but we can drink it for our health.