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Is Red Wine Good for You?

No doubt you’ve heard the buzz about resveratrol and its health benefits when it comes to lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks and strokes. ‘Drink red wine’ has been repeated now for a while, since red wine, specifically French red wines, are supposed to contain high levels of resveratrol. But does drinking red wine actually provide the stated health benefits?

In recent research (Red wine consumption improves in vitro migration of endothelial progenitor cells in young, healthy individuals), it was determined that individuals consuming 250 mL of red wine daily (about 1/3 of a bottle) for 21 days showed “significantly enhanced vascular endothelial function”, which translated means increased bloodflow. The full conclusion:

The results of the present study indicate that red wine exerts its effect through the up-regulation of CXCR4 expression and activation of the SDF1alpha/CXCR4/Pi3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which results in increased EPC migration and proliferation and decreased extent of apoptosis. Our findings suggest that these effects could be linked to the mechanism of cardiovascular protection that is associated with the regular consumption of red wine

In normal language this means the researchers discoverd red wine consumption increased the movement of certain ‘helper’ cells into blood vessels. These ‘helper’ cells are thought to maintain and repair the vessels.

The most interesting thing here is what’s not explained: other studies that have show any alcohol (max 3-4 drinks a day) has the same effect and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease (Alcohol consumption and risk for coronary heart disease in men with healthy lifestyles, Moderate alcohol intake and lower risk of coronary heart disease: meta-analysis of effects on lipids and haemostatic factors). 

Trials have also demonstrated that alcohol increases HDL cholesterol and reduces the blood’s tendency to clot (Alcohol and Cardiovascular Health: The Razor-Sharp Double-Edged Sword).

It’s not all sunsets and tequila however. Although moderate alcohol intake might reduce cardiovascular risk, it raises the other risks. Cancer for one, and accidents for another – and I don’t just mean car accidents, but accidents of all kinds, from falling down the stairs to injuries due to some level of impairment. Just keep that in mind before you start justifying your daily imbibing with a ‘but it’s good for me’ mantra.

So is red wine good for you? Trick question.

Red wine, and in fact any alcohol in moderation, is good for cardiovascular health, although its connection to being good for overall health is doubtful. Far better to reach for an overall healthly lifestyle. The cardiovascualr benefits of alcohol, minus the negatives, can be replicated by a healthy diet and exercise. 

Nevertheless, that low sodium turkley burger and salad with no dressing might go down a bit easier if accompanied by a nice glass of Merlot.

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