Is it True That Drinking Red Wine Can Improve Your Health?

A glass of fine red wine provides the classicdistance of excellent restaurants where a good
accompaniment to a dinner at an upscaleglass of red wine can be enjoyed.
restaurant or a cozy supper at home with familyTaken in moderation, red wine has many benefits
and friends. But now, emerging research suggeststhat far exceed the risks. For healthy individuals
that red wine might have health benefits to makewith no predisposition to liver problems, red wine
it doubly welcome at the table.is a source of abundant flavonoids, a type of
However, the detrimental effects of excessiveantioxidant linked to a many indicators of good
alcohol consumption are well known, and manyhealth.
people might avoid red wine because of concernsFlavonoids have been particularly associated with
that the health risks associated with alcohol mightgood cardiovascular health and show the potential
outweigh red wine's positive effects. In order toto lower bad cholesterol and increase good
make a decision about whether drinking red winecholesterol, as well as having anti-inflammatory
is likely to contribute to your good health, thereproperties.
are a few basic facts that you should keep inThese potential health benefits are the result of a
mind.compound called reservatrol, which can be found
The Pros And Cons Of Red Winein the skins and seeds of red grapes. This
Like any alcoholic beverage, red wine will becomecompound puts red wine in a class of food
destructive to your health if consumed in excess.sources of antioxidants, a group which also
There are two major dangers associated withincludes dark chocolate, green tea and citrus fruits.
alcohol consumptions. The first is liver damageWhen weighing the advantages and disadvantages
over time, which unfortunately is not a risk solelyof red wine, it is important to consider the fact
for people who drink in excess.that red wine's benefits represent small amounts
Individuals, who are on certain forms ofof protective and positive value over time.
prescription medication, or over-the-counter painIncreasing the amount of red wine you drink will
relievers, may be at risk for liver damage even ifnot increase the positive health outcomes
they drink in moderation. When consideringassociated with red wine and in fact would
whether red wine might be good for your health,probably undermine any benefit that you might be
be sure to talk to your doctor about anyreceiving. While the dangers of liver damage and
medications you may be taking and whetherdrunken driving are significant, there is also a slight
these will make you vulnerable to liver damage.elevation in the risk of breast cancer associated
The other major risk is the danger associatedwith alcohol consumption.
with driving while intoxicated. Luckily, this danger isFor this reason, many health experts advise
easy to avoid if you take some time to plan yourwomen to drink no more than one alcoholic
evenings. A designated driver takes the risk outbeverage per day and men to drink no more than
of evening get-togethers where a bottle of winetwo.
will be shared, and many people live within walking