Wine Not? The Health Benefits of Red Wine

Many journals have published studies about how drinking red wine may protect the heart, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). The compounds in wine may prevent blood clots, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. They also may reduce inflammation, which can lead to heart attack and other health problems. A study from the AHA found that drinking up to 7 alcoholic drinks per week — in early to middle age — may reduce the risk for heart failure. Wine contains resveratrol (a flavonoid found in the skin of grapes) and antioxidants, which can protect the lining of the heart’s blood vessels. Resveratrol and antioxidants may help to keep the blood vessels pliable and limit the start and progression of hardening of the arteries (arthrosclerosis). The flavonoids may also increase HDL (“good” cholesterol) and reduce LDL (“bad” cholesterol). While this may be true of red wine, there are also alternative ways to protect your heart. To maintain heart health, it is important to be physically active, eat a balanced diet and to stop smoking.