Homemade Sauces

As far back as 450 BC, physicians have recommended wine to combat fever, disinfect wounds and provide nutritional supplements. But Greek science also taught that the stars moved on heavenly spheres, so one has to be careful. Has anything been learned since?

Fortunately, many studies since have provided plenty of evidence of the truth of early observations. Since the early 70s many studies have concluded that moderate intake of red wine does indeed have beneficial health effects, though the exact reasons are still not precisely known.

Red wine consumption helps prevent coronary disease and possibly some forms of cancer due to a class of compounds known as catechins (flavanoids). Like resveratrol, which aids grapes in fighting fungal infections, they act as anti-oxidants and anti-coagulants. Free radicals, i.e. ionized oxygen atoms in the blood, are known to cause cellular damage. Anti-oxidants remove free radicals.

Red wine has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol. Red wine helps elevate the good cholesterol (HDL) and lower the bad cholesterol (LDL). Wine has also been shown to kill or inhibit certain pathogens in the blood stream.

Drinking wine in moderation (i.e., 1 or 2 glasses per day) has also been shown to decrease the risk of ulcers. It is believed that wine helps rid the body of bacteria which leads to stomach ulcers.

It should be noted that alcohol doesn’t metabolize as quickly as processed sugars. So drinking little bit of alcohol rather than consuming candy or soda may help some people avoid or delay diabetes. Regular, moderate alcohol consumption, however, is linked to increases in a wide variety of cancers. Of particular concern for women is the increased risk of breast cancer. Women who have history of breast cancer in their family should not consume alcoholic beverages.

Of course, as with anything one consumes, there are risks. Many wines contain sulfites to which a small percentage of the population is sensitive. And wine, though absent fat and cholesterol, does contain sugars and small quantities of sodium – and, of course, alcohol. It doesn’t take much to become too much.

People with certain conditions, such as kidney, liver or digestive tract problems, need to be careful in their consumption of wine or any alcohol. Most doctors will recommend no alcohol consumption for these types of ailments. Excessive consumption of wine (or any alcohol) can have many negative short and long term effects. These effects include impaired judgment, hangovers and liver damage. Also, drinking wine while on any medication should be avoided.

So we are left with the fact that drinking wine has many health benefits, as it is made of grapes, and a mixed bag of health risks, as it contains alcohol. Educate yourself more fully about these facts.

See more about wine health risks at www.Wine-Information.org. Stop by Sarah Omseo’s website to read more wine information on wine types and more.