Red wine has been shown to help with obesity and muscle function in mice, but not people. However, polyphenols are there too. Although more recently studies have argued that red wine is no better for you than white wine, beer or even vodka, it remains a drink with a healthy reputation.
The reason red has been lauded over white is the resveratrol, which comes from the skins, and there’s more skin in that bottle of red. (Table grapes and grape juice are sources too, along with cranberries, mulberries and blueberries. Studies continue.)
But watch it — more than one five-ounce glass of wine a day for women, and more than two for men, is considered excessive by health experts, and leads to not only risk of accidents but also a weakened heart, liver damage, weight gain, high blood pressure and cancer.
However, studies have shown it may be the alcohol in wine, in addition to or besides the resveratrol, which makes it healthy. It has been shown to improve blood flow and avoid clogged arteries and blood clots, raise HDL (good) cholesterol and prevents artery damage caused by LDL (bad) cholesterol. In moderation, of course.
