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A lot of information circulates about the effect of red wine on your heart. Whilst some is true, other information veers more closely to myth than actual fact! Here’s the lowdown on just how beneficial red wine is for your heart.
Resveratrol: Reduced Aging, Healthier Heart?
Back in 2008, a very famous study took place at the University of Wisconsin. The researchers were examining the effect of resveratrol, a substance found in red wine. They tested it on mice; one group was given resveratrol, the other was not.
The results were interesting, to say the least. The group of mice who were given resveratrol were noticeably more agile and mobile than the other group, and seemed in general to be far ‘healthier’.
How Much is too Much?
However, before you reach for the Merlot, a word of caution. Professor Richard Weinruch, author of the study, admitted that ‘the precise number of glasses of wine or bottles of wine are difficult to predict.’ In short, the researchers were unsure just how much wine it would take to achieve the desired results, and did not know the long-term effects of consuming this much wine.
Red or White?
Red wine tends to be praised more universally as it contains more polyphenols. These organic compounds are powerful antioxidants, and it’s these antioxidants that help to boost the health of your heart, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
However, doctors universally acknowledge that wine, like any other form of alcohol, should be enjoyed in moderation. It’s advisable to stick to the advised limits of two drinks a day for men, and one drink a day for women.
Making Sure You’ve Got a Healthy Heart
If you’re concerned about how healthy your heart it, or have any worries about an existing heart condition, it’s a good idea to book an appointment to talk with your local heart specialist. To arrange an appointment at the Cardiovascular Solutions Institute, simply call 941-747-8789.