To Our Health!
I still remember the slide show presented by the cardiologist that night. He compared the impact of beer, white wine and red wine on blood lipids. His slide depicted a clear advantage for red wine. That was over 25 years ago and that information still resonates for me to this day. It opened the door for greater reading and seeking to understand the effects of drinking red wine – both positive and negative. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and not making any recommendations here, just sharing what I’ve read!
Today, there is a growing body of medical information with regard to the health benefits of wine consumption, predominately red wine, on health and well-being. More and more research is being done and the findings are interesting to say the least. The list includes reducing the risk of depression, preventing some cancers, providing anti-aging properties, preventing dementia, and other beneficial effects. Other possible health benefits include raising levels of omega-3 fatty acids and possible benefits in reducing prostate cancer.
One thing that is clear in all the literature is that the amount matters. The cited effects are related only to moderate drinking. According to “Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010”, published by the US Department of Agriculture: “If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation – up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.”
So what is moderate wine consumption? That is an important point for us all. The National Health Services, UK, writes, “Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units of alcohol a day. Women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day.” One unit equals 10 ml of pure alcohol. A 250 ml (large) glass of 12% red wine has about three units of alcohol. This is approximately 8½ ounces. A 175 ml (medium) glass of 12% red wine has about two units, which translates to about 6 ounces. Check the label; because as the alcohol goes up, the volume should be decreased.
It is also good to recognize that how much wine you can drink in one sitting before the health benefits turn into negatives depends on many factors. Those include a person’s size, age, sex, body stature and general health. It also matters whether you are consuming with a meal or on an empty stomach. Just a note as well, women absorb alcohol at a faster rate than men based on body mass and have less of an enzyme that breaks down alcohol. (Advantage men!)
As we start the New Year and put those resolutions in place, it is good to keep in mind that old adage that rings true here: All good things in moderation!
Happy New Year!