How to Get a Healthier Heart With One Glass of Red Wine Daily
It seems like publications everywhere are touting the benefits of red wine. Red wine is even thought by some to be behind the "French Paradox," the fact that while the French consume a diet high in saturated fat, they have a relatively low rate of heart disease. So why is red wine getting all this good press? Should you consider adding it to your diet for the health benefits?
Things You'll Need
- Health professional
- Helpful liquor store employee
- Wine glasses of your choice
- Wine bottle opener
Instructions
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Realize that if you are not already a regular alcohol consumer, your physician or other health professional may not recommend that you add alcohol to your diet at all. Most of the benefits of red wine may come from choosing it over other alcohols, like beer or hard liquor. Ask your doctor what he or she thinks of you having a glass of red wine a day. If you're currently taking any medication, it's especially important that you ask a health professional if it's safe to take it with alcohol.
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If your health professional agrees that a glass of red wine a day could be beneficial for you, arm yourself with information to give family and friends who ask questions. Some of the health benefits associated with drinking alcohol in moderation include: an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol, prevention of blood clot formation, a lowering of the blood pressure, and protection for the arteries from damage caused by high LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Red wine in particular happens to contain antioxidants called flavonoids and nonflavonoids, believed to be a factor in both reducing LDL ('bad") cholesterol levels and helping to prevent blood clots.
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Think about what kinds of red wine you would enjoy the most. If you're a new red wine drinker, it's especially important to start with wines you'll like. Do you prefer lighter, sweeter drinks? If so, you might want to start with a blush wine like white zinfandel first to get your tongue used to the tannins in wine. A good next step could be a beaujolais. Other sweeter red wines include merlot and chianti. Like a spicy wine? You just might love a red zinfandel or a shiraz or syrah. Shiraz is usually peppery, and great with spicy foods. Want something right in the middle? There's nothing like a soft, fruity-noted pinot noir. If you prefer a dry, intense flavor, move right over to the cabernet sauvignon shelf. You also might like malbec or bourdeaux.
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Consider attending a wine tasting in order to get an idea of which types of red wine are your favorites. Often, local wine or liquor stores will hold free tastings to help drum up business. Why not check them out?
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Speaking of wine and liquor stores, the best way to choose a red wine is to discuss it with an expert, so head out to your local wine or liquor store and start asking questions. People who work with wine tend to be very knowledgeable about taste, so you're sure to get pointed in the right direction.
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Don't be afraid to pair red wines with lighter dishes like seafood and chicken, or even to just enjoy a glass alone. There are no rules except "enjoy the wine."
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Open your bottle, let the wine breathe for a short time, pour yourself a glass, and enjoy.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't forget to speak with your health care professional first.
Keep in mind that a serving of red wine is just 5 ounces, not a giant wine glass full.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://a.abcnews.com/images/Health/pd_wine_070522_ms.jpg
