What Are the Benefits of Grape Wine?

A glass of wine a day may not keep the doctor away, but studies show that moderate consumption of wine can have some surprising health benefits. According to medical researchers, moderation in consumption and selecting red wines are key.

History

• Grape skins and seeds that are turned into red wine seem to impart some health benefits. When this was first noticed, it was dubbed the French Paradox, due to the apparent contribution of the regular consumption of red wine in combating the effects of a high-fat diet.

Benefits

• Some of the health benefits noticed have been increased vasodilation and a decrease in platelet aggregation. Both contribute to heart health, according to studies at the University of California.

Theories

• Antioxidants are found in red wines.

  Red wine grapes contain high levels of phytochemicals. These antioxidant compounds have been shown to inhibit cancers and heart disease. There is some indication that they are also helpful in fighting degenerative nerve diseases like Alzheimer's.

Healthy Consumption

• A healthy level of wine consumption is considered to be one glass a day for women and two glasses per day for men. Wine consumption above these levels is not considered advisable, according to researchers.

Red, Not White

• Healthy Reds

  These benefits only seem to be derived from red wines. Experts believe this is due to the method of fermentation in red wines and the higher levels of polyphenols found in red wine grapes.