Over the next few weeks, I want to focus on the health benefits of moderate wine consumption. Since heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, I decided to start this week with wine & heart health.
The American Heart Association has highlighted the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep in mind that moderate consumption is an average of 1-2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. It is thought that alcohol, or the substances in alcoholic beverages may prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together, reducing clot formation and therefor reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke (1). When looking at wine, and more specifically red wine, there are additional cardio-protective compounds such as phenolics and antioxidants.
- Phenolics
- Help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, helping inhibit plaque formation
- Works as a blood thinner, reducing risk of clots
- Antioxidants
- Protect against oxidative cell membrane damage
- Reduce levels of inflammation--which can lead to cardiovascular disease
- Increased HDL cholesterol
- 1-2 drinks per day is linked to an average 12% increase in HDL (2)
- Decreased Blood Pressure
- Enhanced release of nitric oxide help with vasodilation of blood vessels
- Better total cholesterol regulation
- Improved LDL:HDL ratio
- Total cholesterol reduction (if high)
- Increase levels of glutathione in the blood
- Glutathione is a critical antioxidant associated with decreased risk of heart disease (3)
So raise a glass of Cabernet, Merlot, or Pinot to the benefits of wine! For ideas of what to pair these remarkable reds with for dinner, see the chart below:
| Pinot Noir | Fruit: strawberry, strawberry jam, black cherry, plum, raspberry Earthy: leather, game, mushrooms, beetroot, barnyard Floral: violets | Willamette Valley (U.S.), Russian River Valley (U.S.), Burgundy (France), Marlborough (New Zealand) | Lean meats, smoked/wood-roasted meats, dried dark fruits, sweet spices, sautéed mushrooms |
| Merlot | Fruit: plum, prune, black cherry, fig Other: fruitcake, chocolate It is the texture or mouthfeel that is most important for the popularity of Merlot—its richness, suppleness, and softness | Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (U.S.), Walla Walla (U.S.), Tuscany (Italy), Paarl Hills (South Africa) | Lean steak, duck, ham, lamb, mild barbeque |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Fruit: black currant (cassis), black cherry, blackberry Earthy: cigar box, tobacco Herbal: mint in U.S., eucalyptus in New Zealand Can have vegetal, bell pepper streak if a little underripe; also tannic, concentrated, full bodied | Bordeaux (France), Napa Valley (U.S.), Coonwarra (Australia), Tuscany (Italy), Colchagua (Chile) | Steak, venison, hamburger, chocolate, blue cheese |
1) Alcoholic beverages and cardiovascular diease. (2011). American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Alcoholic-Beverages-and-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_305864_Article.jsp
2) Schaeffer, J. (2011). To Good Wine … and Better Health — The Case for Moderate Wine Consumption. Today’s Dietitian. 13(8), 32.
3) Shimizu, H., Kiyohara, Y., Kato, I., Kitazono, T., Tanizaki, Y., Kubo, M. & Ueno, H. (2004). Relationship between plasma glutathione levels and cardiovascular disease in a defined population. Journal of the American Heart Association. 35, 2072-2077.
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