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health consequences of wine

In November 1991, CBS television produced a segment on the “French Paradox.” The subject was wine consumption and its importance in protecting the French from coronary heart disease, despite their relatively high-fat diet. Since that program, there have been numerous studies focused on this and other health-related issues linked to wine. Research has confirmed that moderate wine consumption lowers coronary heart disease and strokes. Wine’s positive contributing factors are said to be ALCOHOL and PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS. One of the phenolic compounds considered particularly effective is RESVERATROL, which is found in the skin of grapes. Resveratrol (and other phenolic compounds) contribute to lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising good cholesterol (HDL). Red wines contain many more of these beneficial compounds than white wines because they’ve had longer contact time with grape skins during production. But the health benefits don’t stop there. Studies have also indicated that wine drinkers have a lower incidence of ulcers because wine diminishes ulcer-causing bacteria. Other research indicates that moderate wine drinkers may have a lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A study from Spain showed that wine’s antioxidant properties help ward off colds. Another report proved that moderate wine drinkers had a lower incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The impact of wine on cancer is mixed. Some studies suggest that resveratrol and other phenolic compounds contain certain antioxidant characteristics that facilitate cancer prevention, while others say that alcohol has a causative effective in increasing certain types of cancers. Other downsides to wine consumption include potential respiratory problems for sulfite-sensitive people. Wine, particularly red wine, is also known to cause headaches in people sensitive to histamines and in migraine sufferers who may react to certain phenolic compounds. Almost all studies involving the positive effects of wine consumption suggest “moderate consumption,” which is loosely defined as one to three 4-ounce glasses of wine per day.
Related Links: alcohol, phenolic compounds, resveratrol
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc.
1995 based on THE WINE LOVER'S COMPANION,
by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst.

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