HEALTH BENEFITS OF WINE

Many studies show that drinking one or two glasses of wine each day can reduce cardiovascular disease, which leads to heart attacks and strokes and is responsible for 60 percent of all deaths. The flavanoids, along with other antioxidants found in wine, reduce the risk of heart disease, and resveratrol may prevent blood from sticking together, reduce clot formation and the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Wine also may help prevent the development of dementia, according to the Copenhagen City Heart Study, which found that groups with the fewest signs of dementia were those who consumed moderate amounts of wine.

Wine has the ability to alter lipid levels by lowering total cholesterol and raising high-density lipoproteins, also known as good cholesterol. Wine decreases incidence of peptic ulcers and may rid the body of bacteria suspected of causing peptic ulcers.

Most pathogens that threaten humans are inhibited or killed by acids and alcohol in wine. Studies show, white wine drinkers have healthier lungs than nondrinkers and even those who only drink red wine.

Wine has been found to help kill Ecoli and salmonella in the stomach, and increase bone mass in elderly women. Used in moderation, wine is associated with significant increase in thighbone mineral density.

Healthy adults can enjoy wine in a responsible manner as part of a well-balanced lifestyle. Drink wine in moderation with meals and when consumption does not put you or others at risk.