Is Wine really that Healthy for You?
Some say wine is good for your heart. Others say it helps soothe your nerves. Some even say a glass of red wine helps to keep diabetes in check. But it's hard to decide what's true and what's not. So we brought in the experts.If wine's your favourite poison, then you are going to love what they have to say about the health benefits of this drink.
Here's how wine can do you good:
Heart-friendly drink
Wine, red or white, increases the amount of good cholesterol or HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) in our body. "HDL transports cholesterol from the tissues to the liver and thus protects our heart," says Dr Rahul Gupta, consultant cardiologist, LH Hiranandani hospital.
"Flavanoids in red wine prevent formation of blood clots and plaque on the arteries, thus preventing it from blocks," he adds. It therefore can be classified as a heart-friendly drink.
Hormone control
"Red wine is high in phytochemicals, a powerful antioxidant," says Mumbai-based dietician, Dr Sunita Dube. Phytochemicals improve your immune system and make sure our hormones function properly.
"Red wine can also help control blood sugar levels among those with type 2 diabetes," she says. Polyphenols present in it ensure proper functioning of hormones like insulin that regulate metabolism of glucose. It thus keeps blood sugar levels in control.
Youth potion
What's more, antioxidants in wine prevent damage to your cells caused by free radicals. This slows down age-related problems like memory loss and wrinkles. So yes, if you want to stay younger, drink that occasional glass of wine!
How much is safe?
"Women can have a 20ml drink twice a week, not more," says Dr Sunita. "Wine has its health benefits but that does not mean non-drinkers should take to drinking," she says.
"A well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains and water will benefit you similarly too. Plus, excessive consumption of wine can lead to weight gain, trigger migraine attacks, increase triglyceride levels and even cause liver failure," Dr Rahul warns.
Combine moderate alcohol consumption with exercise and a healthy diet for a healthy you.
Here's how wine can do you good:
Heart-friendly drink
Wine, red or white, increases the amount of good cholesterol or HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) in our body. "HDL transports cholesterol from the tissues to the liver and thus protects our heart," says Dr Rahul Gupta, consultant cardiologist, LH Hiranandani hospital.
"Flavanoids in red wine prevent formation of blood clots and plaque on the arteries, thus preventing it from blocks," he adds. It therefore can be classified as a heart-friendly drink.
Hormone control
"Red wine is high in phytochemicals, a powerful antioxidant," says Mumbai-based dietician, Dr Sunita Dube. Phytochemicals improve your immune system and make sure our hormones function properly.
"Red wine can also help control blood sugar levels among those with type 2 diabetes," she says. Polyphenols present in it ensure proper functioning of hormones like insulin that regulate metabolism of glucose. It thus keeps blood sugar levels in control.
Youth potion
What's more, antioxidants in wine prevent damage to your cells caused by free radicals. This slows down age-related problems like memory loss and wrinkles. So yes, if you want to stay younger, drink that occasional glass of wine!
How much is safe?
"Women can have a 20ml drink twice a week, not more," says Dr Sunita. "Wine has its health benefits but that does not mean non-drinkers should take to drinking," she says.
"A well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains and water will benefit you similarly too. Plus, excessive consumption of wine can lead to weight gain, trigger migraine attacks, increase triglyceride levels and even cause liver failure," Dr Rahul warns.
Combine moderate alcohol consumption with exercise and a healthy diet for a healthy you.
Image and Article Credit: Idiva.com
2 comments:
yah being a medical student i know a little wine as u mentioned is good for the heart.....if u want to drink it better to drink wine than beer.
I have a question do u drink or not....just asking..
As for me i don't like drinking...
Keep writing..
thanks for your comment......
i am also non alcohol drinker. i read many many good think about wine especially red wine....may be i can test it in future....but not sure.
Post a Comment