You might have read recently how doctors have discovered that Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon can help prevent heart disease if consumed in moderation. Can this be true? Fortunately for us it is and it’s not just Chilean Cabernet which is good for you as all types of wines have beneficial effects if consumed in moderation.

It was not until the 1970s and 1980s that people started to unduly worry about the effects of wine consumption. At previous points throughout history wine was often regarded as healthier than water. Louis Pasteur claimed, “Wine is the most healthful of beverages” –Nice one Louis!). This is because the alcohol and acidity contained within wine act as inhibitors to the growth of any harmful micro-organisms which can cause illness and disease. However, before you contact the water board to get cut-off and change to a wine supplier I should warn you that the only reason wine was considered more healthful was because it was generally safer to drink than most of the available drinking water.

Fortunately, as we enter the new millennium attitudes towards wine consumption have become more and more favourable, particularly with regard to the beneficial effects on health from moderate wine consumption.

How can this be so? Surely sitting down for longer meal times and drinking wine can’t be good for you?

Yes, combined with some wine consumption the relaxed atmosphere of the French dinner table has two distinct and highly positive effects:

A convivial table acts as a stress reducer, which not only has a positive effect on the cardio-vascular system but it also makes you feel good. Stress is a killer; it raises your blood pressure by constricting your arteries and even worse it can lead to blood clots and encourages the production of LDL cholesterol (The Darth Vader of the Cholesterol family).

Drinking wine can help reduce your stress levels as it aids the flow of your blood by acting as a vasodilator causing your arterial muscles to relax. It will help to decrease the chances of blood clotting and help to promote the growth of the HDL cholesterol (The Luke Skywalker of the Cholesterol family).

The other main reason for the positive effects of the French dinner table lies in the amount of time taken over proceedings. Instead of scoffing their food in record time so that they can catch Eastenders or Coronation Street the French will remain at the dinner table for a good 1.5-2hrs. The longer length of time taken over the meal is reckoned to aid the more efficient absorption and metabolism of fats.  Combined with slower absorption of alcohol the effects are greater relaxation and consequently greater health. So perhaps it’s best to emulate the French family not the Royle family.

So How Much Is Moderate Consumption?

The levels of consumption which are regarded as safe and beneficial depend on a number of factors not least your own physical composition.

Here in the UK the recommended levels of consumption are rather conservative and lower than many other countries, including the US.  The recommended level of 21 units per week (168 gms) for men and 14 (112gms) for women works out at an average of three bottles of low alcohol (about 5%vol.) wine for men a week and two bottles for women; or just less than two bottles of high alcohol wine (15% vol.) for men per week and just over one for women. Yet in the US the level regarded as moderate consumption would allow for 25gms of alcohol per day giving a weekly total of 175gms.

We all hold different views on the levels of drinking which we regard as moderate consumption. Some of us can hold our drink better than others and some of us are unable to drink a glass without feeling the effects. We should remember that the ability to metabolise alcohol varies from one person to another so those with a lower lean body mass should consume less than those of a higher level. Combined with Government warnings and restrictions it’s sometimes hard to estimate a safe level of personal consumption.

What can we make from this? Well, most experts agree that drinking two glasses of wine a day with food are more beneficial to your health than harmful.

 Why is wine good for me?

So what is it in wine that makes it healthy? The answer lies in some of the components of wine which are known as phenols. These little compounds have high antioxidant properties and are found in the grape skin and seeds. There are many different types of phenols which are highly volatile chemicals able to contribute to the subtle nuances of colour, texture, aroma and flavour of a wine. One set of phenolic compounds are believed to be responsible for preventing the oxidation of Darth Vader Cholesterol. Whilst quercetin which is also a phenolic is reckoned to be a powerful anti-carcinogenic. Quercetin is able to inhibit the development of the cancer gene. It is usually found in garlic and onions but is present in wine. Studies have shown that incidences of intestinal and stomach cancers are lower in diets high in the consumption of foods containing quercetin.

Wine and Health Issues

Some people are unfortunate to be born allergic to wine and others may suffer a reaction to it from time to time or may actually have to avoid it altogether.

One of the most common adverse effects is on those who suffer from migraines. The chemical messengers firing around your brain do all sorts of things - mostly good. However, there is a nasty little one called 5-hydroxytryptamine which plays a major part in the onslaught of a migraine. Unfortunately for migraine sufferers red wines can often trigger an attack as the phenolics present in the wine help liberate the 5-hydroxytryptamine. Your best bet if you suffer from migraines is to stick to white wines of a low alcohol level.

Have you ever looked at a wine label, particularly those imported from the USA, and wondered why it states “May Contain Sulphites”? If you suffer from asthma you might already know. Wines containing a high level of sulphur compounds can act as a trigger for an asthma attack Unfortunately for asthma sufferers most wines are made using Sulphur Dioxide which in turn leads to sulphites being present in the finished product. However, laws are in place preventing the over-use of Sulphur and most wines contain a level of sulphites that are generally okay for asthma sufferers to consume - although guidance should always be sought from your doctor.

If you are likely to suffer from osteoporosis (weak bones) then you may do well to indulge in some moderate wine consumption as a little wine can help protect against it. However, drink too much and you will make things far worse as heavy drinkers with unhealthy lifestyles are at a bigger risk of developing osteoporosis.

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition which can be avoided and results in very few cases annually. FAS is caused by pregnant mothers’ excessive alcohol consumption and results in profound mental and growth retardation in the foetus. Hence the warnings for pregnant women on many alcohol products. However, statistics prove that women consuming wine throughout pregnancy at a very moderate level suffer no increase in incidence of foetal retardation compared to those who abstain altogether. The French and Italians are good examples of cultures where women continue to drink throughout pregnancy at a moderate level. The best bet for anyone faced with a similar decision is to make an informed choice after consulting your doctor.

It is now accepted by many medical authorities that people who consume wine at a moderate level are less likely to suffer coronary heart disease than both those who drink heavily and those who never drink. Why is this so?

Well, it is the previously mentioned phenols which are responsible for wine being able to offer protection against heart disease. Once again it is their role in preventing Darth Vader cholesterol from forming deposits in the arteries that in turn causes your blood to clot and initiate a possible heart attack.

So the best bet is to consume regularly, but consume in moderation. Take more time over dinner and enjoy the art of conversation instead of slouching in front of the television.

Good Health and remember don’t drink and drive, that can be the unhealthiest combination of them all.