The potential benefits to your health associated with wine consumption is a rather long list indeed, and new studies continuously relate a drop in the risk of cancer and heart disease with drinking wine.
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Even before the first book was written about wine in 1410 by a French doctor, the virtues of drinking wine had long been touted since the first century. The fact that wine contains certain compounds that add to longevity is apparent in what has become known as "The French Paradox" theory.
This is simply an observation that while the French consume many fatty and cholesterol laden foods, they also drink wine on a regular basis and with their meals. This observation has been supported and verified by many independent health studies and in spite of their diet, the French do have fewer instances of heart disease and heart-related deaths.
With further study the connection between wine and longevity was traced to anti-oxidants and natural occurring chemicals found within the seeds and skin of the grape, though it is not certain whether the grape itself can render theses benefits in the same manner.
Most importantly, wine is known as an anti-aging serum for many different reasons, though it is most definitely not a cure-all remedy. Additionally, there is a risk of over-consumption and this is the most crucial aspect when considering adding wine to your diet in order to reap the benefits.
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One of the most widely known benefits of wine consumption relates to the heart, and it is known that wine improves heart health by increasing the amount of HDL (good cholesterol) within the body. Wine also reduces the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol) and when consumed with a meal the delayed absorption of food that wine causes in the gastrointestinal tract reduces the growth of arterial muscle cells.
A reduction of these smooth muscle cells insures that arteries stay clear and healthy, and blood pressure is lowered as a result. This is not the only benefit that wine offers, however, a reduction in the risk of certain cancers has also been noted, and even a reduced risk of kidney stones in women is listed as a potential benefit connected with wine consumption.
That is not to say that everyone should drink wine though, and it is important to remember that when mixed with medications, even over-the-counter drugs, the resulting damage to the liver and kidneys associated with those products is increased. The heavy consumption of wine in fact, raises the risk of some diseases that it is known to reduce the risk of. With people suffering the effects of diabetes, or gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers wine should be avoided, and when paired with certain situations it can be dangerous to drink wine, such is the case when operating a motor vehicle. Wine may also impair a person's judgment and in some cases may cause migraine headaches, though changes in the fermentation process have lowered the risk of severe headaches.
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Two non-alcoholic chemicals known as flavanoids and reservatrol are connected with the benefits of drinking wine. Wine also includes anti-oxidants and several key vitamins that are important to a nutritional diet. These benefits are more closely associated with the consumption of red wine, whose fermentation process includes a longer duration of time with the skin of the grape intact.
The benefits also appear to be more evident when wine is consumed with a meal, and the recommended amount for men is one to two glasses, or four to eight ounces, while women are encouraged to drink only one glass.
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On the other hand, four or more glasses of wine reverse the health benefits and can actually cause severe problems in many cases. The flavor, aroma and the body texture of wine can accent a fine meal and many people choose wine with dinner for that exact reason, and specific wines may even be recommended for certain types of meat or certain dishes.
For those who do not care to drink wine, it also makes a good additive when used during cooking and the benefits may be incorporated into a daily eating regiment in that manner. Wine can be used in place of oil and butter, therefore reducing potential health threats from those substances, in addition to its own positive attributes.
It also works as a microbacterial agent and can extend the shelf life of foods, and certain wines are formulated with that benefit in mind. Some popular wines that are used in cooking are Chablis, Marsala, Madeira, Sherry, and Burgundy. Darker wines are recommended for beef, while white wines may add greater flavor to lighter meats such as chicken.
Wines also work to fortify the flavor of vegetables, especially red ones. When paired correctly, wine can drastically improve the taste of food, whether it be meat or even pasta. One easy method in choosing a wine for cooking is to use the color of sauces to determine the correct type of wine to use, with darker sauces use a dark wine, and vice versa with lightly colored sauces. Often, dishes that incorporate wine are named at least partially after the type of wine used, one example of this being Veal Marsala. With that in mind, enjoy a glass of wine tonight with your dinner. The state of relaxation it invokes is an additional benefit and works to lower blood pressure while accomplishing that. With a flavorful meal and good company, great wine can be truly appreciated on a daily basis and in a healthy manner. {relatedarticles}As with every other resource you will find relating to wine, moderation is always suggested in relation to its consumption and you should always be mindful of choosing the right place and time to consume any alcoholic beverage.