Health professionals have recognized the nutritive and the health benefits of red wine for years even centuries. Hippocrates recommended specific wines to purge fever, disinfect wounds, as diuretics, or nutritional supplements, around 450 B.C. Many books have been written about the health benefits of red wine as early as 1410 A.D. Many studies worldwide have concluded that most healthy people who drink wine on a regular basis and with moderation live longer. Wine, for centuries, has been considered as a remedy rather than a toxin. In America, for a whole generation, mainly following the Prohibition years, the potential health benefits of red wine were denied. But, in 1991, the medicinal properties of wine begin to return when the French Paradox was publicly revealed following a closed scrutiny on the diet of people in Southern France. It was found out that they had a much lower rate of heart disease than in America notwithstanding their intake of high proportion of fatty foods. Since then, over three thousands studies have broken out all over the World, most importantly in America and provided evidence of health benefits of red wine.

MEDICAL STUDIES ON HEALTH BENEFITS OF RED WINE

Many medical studies have showed multiple health benefits of red wine, including lowered risks of stroke, colorectal tumors, some types of cancers, senile dementia, and even the common cold. A Harvard research has indicated that moderate intake of red wine is very beneficial for heart health. The cardio protective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes. Scientists believe that the antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Other researches have found that moderate red wine may also inhibit tumor development in some cancers and may as well be helpful in the treatment of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. At the University of California, researchers have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon has the highest concentration of flavonoids. Sweeter the wine, the fewer flavonoids. Dryer red wines are the best bet for a flavonoid boost. They have also found out that grape juice or non alcoholic red wine contains the same antioxydant profile as red wine. However, grape juice does not lower LDL cholesterol the Bad cholesterol) levels compared to red wine. Flavonoids increase HDL cholesterol(the Good cholesterol) and prevent blood clotting , plaques formation in arteries and reduce the blood vessel damage caused by fat deposits. It is very important here to mention that health benefits of red wine consumption should be limited to two servings per day for Men and one serving per day for Women to reap the maximum health benefits. Moderate amounts of wine should be limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. People with medical and social conditions worsened by alcohol should not consume alcohol at all. Since the evidence seems clear now that health benefits of red wine have been proven, here is a toast to your health! Cheers!

Gilles Coulombe B.A. B.LL D.S.A. is a University Graduate in Law and Business Administration and a member of the Canadian Health Institute. After holding senior executive positions in the Public Service as well as in the Private Sector, he has developed an expertise in natural health. Mr Coulombe is a consumer health advocate and a natural health counselor and author of articles pertaining to natural health. He is an Ezine's Author Expert. His website, www.NewHealthFrontier.com is dedicated to improve health naturally without expensive and potentially dangerous prescription drugs for babyboomer's and others wishing to live longer, healthier and happier.