“Is red wine really good for you?” The question I would like the answer to be a definitive “Yes” and no one argues the validity of it and no one actually looks at research and the health components of why it benefits the body. With me being a “wanna be” wine sommelier these articles always grab my attention especially if the tag line is positive and encourages that red wines are beneficial. This study looked at the contradictory journals about wine benefits and was medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH and she broke down the physiology. We all are in the healthcare profession, or at least attempting to get there one day, and so we understand that yes, excessive drinking can adversely affect your health, career and social relationship. But a glass of red wine before bed most nights, how does that produce positive effects? Or is it just a placebo effect?
Red wine is full of antioxidants, known as polyphenols. Polyphenols can protect cells and tissues against the development of diseases. Halpern, a profession in pharmaceutical sciences explains that red wine tends to have a greater number of polyphenols because of the greater pigment of color and a higher concentration that have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. So if I were to stop reading there, I would guilt free drink a glass every night to keep my cardiovascular system healthy.
But since I didn’t just stop reading there, I come to find out that in 2014 a study published by the JAMA internal medicine, researchers studied Italians who consumed large amounts of polyphenol and found that it did not protect from developing heart disease or cancer. Reading that was a bummer, but as I dived into that statement more, the phrase larger amount stuck out. I’m not consuming a large quantity, or am I? What is considered a large amount? In one sitting? Over a week’s span? Month? Year? Unfortunately, it doesn’t specify.
As I kept reading and read more additional benefits of red wine, I noticed a common trend. The chemical make-up of red wine may prevent head and neck cancer, it may help prevent age-related memory decline, it can block cellular processes that allow fat cells to develop and grow & it may kill dangerous bacteria in your mouth.
All these benefits are so subjective and a possibility. The percentages aren’t quantified, sure it could be beneficial or it could just be another liquid that is consumed and excreted in the body. I would have loved to walk away with from this study with a rolodex of positive examples of what wine does, but as of right now I’ll just stick with, I enjoy the taste and it could have health benefits.
- http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/is-red-wine-good-for-you.aspx
- http://slideplayer.com/slide/2476844/
This is definitely a topic that is constantly mentioned in different media articles, but as you mentioned, it is not a proven fact whether or not red wine is actually good for you. With the many articles in the media misleading individuals to believing drinking red wine is beneficial to their health, it is important for practitioners to stress that this is not necessarily the case. It is more useful to share with clients that anything can be enjoyed in moderation, but excessive amounts may not necessarily be the best idea. This is also just another instance where practitioners should share with clients that not everything they read in Shape magazine or other related media outlets is factual, but rather should be taken with a grain of salt.