Holding a glass of the choicest red wine and raising a toast to good health of one and all in the party is a hearty gesture. Red wine may just be what the doctor ordered for a healthy heart.
Is red wine a blessing for the heart? We have been hearing a lot about the health benefits of red wine especially on the heart and it is time to find out if there is any truth in it.
Resveratrol Magic
Resveratrol, a polyphenol compound, found in red wine prevents immature fat cells from maturing. Resveratrol, present in the skin of red grapes is a powerful biological agent which can offer protection against cardiovascular disease. It appears that resveratrol can also offset other diseases like Type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as cancer.
Researchers also found that resveratrol can actually protect the heart from inflammation as it helps stimulate a protein called sirtuin. Preventing immature fat cells from maturing decreases obesity. This was observed during laboratory tests conducted by scientists in vitro on human cells. Resveratrol helps activate glucose uptake into human fat cells and effectively blocks molecules from converting into fat.
Researchers also saw potential in resveratrol as a treatment for obesity, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing weight in overweight people boosts heart health. Research has also found that consuming two glasses of red wine a day may help protect against heart attacks.
Moderate consumption of red wine assists in preventing cardiovascular disease as it helps elevate the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol plasma levels, reduces platelet aggregation, increases antioxidant effects, and also revives endothelial function. Flavanoids, which is a form of antioxidant, is found in the skin of certain red wine grapes.
Many Epidemiological studies have pointed out that if we consume foods and beverages which contain natural polyphenols in abundance, like those present in grape fruit, improves cardiovascular health. A study found a marked drop in incidences of CVDs with moderate consumption of wine. It also results in reduced cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic events
Bountiful Benefits of Red Wine:
- Red wine has the ability to raise the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
- Boost antioxidant plasmatic potential.
- Improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation and inhibit platelet aggregation and leukocyte adhesion
- Non-alcoholised red wine has a protective effect due to its active components like polyphenols, quercetin and Resveratrol. The protective mechanism of these components was proven by many human and animal studies.
Earlier there was emphasis on the connection between serum total cholesterol levels and the risk of CVD, now the focus has shifted to oxidative stress. Antioxidant nutrients are now proven to retard the progression of atherosclerosis as they are able to halt the harmful oxidative processes.
Red Wine Polyphenols
A great body of research and epidemiological studies have pointed out that intake of polyphenols as grape juice and red wine is connected to lowered risk of CVD. The most active polyphenol present in red wine is flavonoids, and it is famous for its antioxidant properties. The cardiovascular benefits of red wine bring about a reduction in blood pressure and vascular dysfunction through reduction in vascular oxidative stress. Antioxidant resveratrol cleans up the chemicals which are behind blood clots, the primary cause of heart disease.
Enjoy red wine in moderation. It can keep you calmer, in high spirits and ensure your heart is strong and happy.