| Alcohol, for years, has gotten a bad reputation | | | | For a final benefit, they reduce blood clotting. |
| for having zero health benefits and numerous | | | | Reducing blood clotting may sound bad but it can |
| social implications. While this has painted it in a bad | | | | have positive effects like preventing the |
| light which has, to some degree, influence 35% of | | | | formation of blood clots that cause strokes. |
| adult Americans not to drink at all, it has also led | | | | Having a glass of red wine with a meal can even |
| to research to confirm the negative stigma | | | | increase a person's lipids. This is a good thing. |
| associated with alcohol. | | | | In addition to contributing to cardiovascular health, |
| The research that resulted has led to some | | | | red wine and the flavonoids provide other |
| interesting conclusions. In 1992, a team of | | | | benefits. The key to the other benefits is the |
| researchers from Harvard University released a | | | | antioxidant resveratrol. Research suggests that |
| report detailing the 8 best things to do to fight or | | | | the high levels of resveratrol in red wines may |
| prevent coronary heart disease. Shockingly | | | | inhibit the growth of some types of tumors. This |
| enough to many people, moderate consumption | | | | means that red wine may help people prevent |
| of alcohol was on the list. The moderate intake of | | | | cancer from forming. Also, resveratrol promotes |
| alcohol improves cardiovascular health. The key | | | | the formation of nerve cells. As it is suspected |
| here is that the consumption must be moderate. | | | | that both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's have |
| Drinking a bottle of wine or a case of beer a day | | | | something to do with nerve formation, this can |
| will not help a person's heart. | | | | help a person treat or even sometimes prevent |
| While the Harvard research did not specify what | | | | these diseases. |
| type of alcohol they meant, subsequent studies | | | | Any person that is considering taking up a glass |
| have revealed that red wine gives the consumer | | | | of red wine a day should be aware of the best |
| the most benefit. Red wine is largely seen to be | | | | wines to drink. A study by a team of researchers |
| the most beneficial, healthwise, form of alcohol. | | | | from the University of California - Davis measured |
| The cardioprotective effect is attributed largely to | | | | the antioxidant levels of a variety of red wines. |
| the antioxidants found in the skin and seeds of | | | | As a general rule of thumb, the sweeter the |
| the various red grapes used to produce red wine. | | | | wine, the fewer the flavonoids. The best reds to |
| The antioxidants help in three key ways. For | | | | drink are Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah, and |
| starters, they reduce the levels of LDL | | | | Pinot Noir. Merlots and Red Zinfandels are less |
| (Low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol in the | | | | potent than the other three wines but still have |
| body. Next, they boost or increase the HDL | | | | some benefits. White wines have significantly |
| (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol levels. | | | | fewer flavonoids than their red counterparts. |