Health Benefits of Wine

A study by French researcher Serge Renaud in the mid-1990s caused a stir in the media. Renaud studied the diets of the French and determined that wine consumption offset the negative effects of diets high in cheese fats. The study found that both men and women could benefit from moderate drinking of wine.

More encouraging study results followed Soon after the French study was released came more research that showed a correlation between wine drinking and its health benefits. An antioxidant called resveratrol was found in red grape skins - and therefore red wine - but ingredients in white wines were found to be beneficial to health as well. New findings continue to be released today. Bob Bolden, proprietor of WineStyles in Omaha, Neb., says that study in France proves that although the French eat foods high in saturated fats, they still live longer with healthier hearts by partaking in wine drinking. He emphasizes that when selling wine at his Omaha store.

A 2004 study by Harvard Medical School touted red grape skins to have anti-aging effects. Other U.S. and world universities found these other health benefits:

• Improved lung function from antioxidants in white wine
• Reduction of coronary heart disease
• Healthier blood vessels among the elderly
• Killing of cancer cells by protein in red grape skins
• Cleaner arteries, thus reducing risk of stroke
• Reduction in ulcer-causing bacteria

Research in 2004 in Australia and London revealed wine drinking helps decrease ovarian cancer risk and promotes stronger bones in women. In 2001, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study finding a lower risk of stroke among women who drink wine. The Worcester (Mass.) Medical Center discovered that men who drink wine have a lower risk of heart attack.

A recent study conducted by Harvard University - compiled from 81,000 women participants - found an increase in fluid intake was associated with reduced risk for kidney stones. Wine was one of 17 beverages included in the study and had the highest reduction in risk (59 percent), compared to other liquids like tea, coffee, fruit juices, water, and milk.

Storing Wine Properly Is Important
For wine to be at its peak to improve the health of the consumer, it's important that it be stored properly. Wine racks and wine cabinets are designed to help wine age to perfection for the ultimate in taste and flavor. A properly aged wine will add to its health benefits.

When storing wine, make sure the bottle is in either a horizontal position - at a 45 degree angle with the cork facing down - or somewhere close to that. That keeps the wine in constant contact with the cork, keeping air from entering the bottle.

Early studies found that red wine had a higher health benefit versus white wine due to the way the skin of the red grape is maintained during the wine-making process. Winemakers since have discovered they can alter their production process to increase the health benefits in white wine.