Red wine is supposed to have some health benefits not found in white wine or beer. Research has indicated that alcohol in small quantities may have some health benefits. In addition to that, red wine is supposed to be heart healthy.
The French Paradox has been known for a long time. Why do the French, who eat a diet high in saturated fat, have such a low incidence of coronary artery diseases? Saturated fat has been shown to increase the risk of coronary artery diseases.
The suggested explanation for the paradox has been the high consumption of red wine in France. Research has shown that red wine, in small quantities, contains something that decreases the risk of heart diseases.
Exactly what this something is, has not been scientifically proven. But most studies suggest it is the antioxidants in red wine that makes it healthy. Resveratrol is often mentioned as the magic component in red wine. But most of the studies involved mice, not people.
Resveratrol is found in the skin of the grape. It protects the grape against attacks from bacteria and fungi. Because red wine is fermented with the grape skins longer than white wine, it contains more resveratrol.
The main health benefit of red wine is its combat of atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty plaques in the blood vessels). Recent studies have also found that red wine contains anti-aging antioxidants.
So how much is a healthy daily consumption of red wine? Medical experts give a wide range of answers. Some don't believe that red wine has any positive effect at all. But most studies confirm that one glass of wine a day is good for your health. Some push it towards two glasses, at least for men. The larger your body is, the more alcohol you can drink. Of course, it is a good idea not to drink alcohol every day, three or four times a week seems to be considered safe by the medical experts.
Before leaving the French Paradox, it is worth remembering that while the French have a low rate of coronary artery diseases, they have one of the highest rates of cirrhosis of the liver in the world. Cirrhosis is generally caused by high consumption of alcohol. Thus, enjoy red wine but in moderation.