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May 2005

Are there Really Health Benefits from Red Wine?

by Joel Thomas

Can red wine really be healthy for you? "I thought alcohol was bad!"

It can be hard to keep up with all the latest health recommendations. One day it seems they are telling us that something is good for you and the next day they are saying it is bad. The key to understanding it all is figuring out who the "they" are.

Scientists are the ones with the expertise to make such studies. But scientists have to be employed by someone and the "someone" who hires them can make a big difference.

For example, when a company wants to market its product, it will do everything possible to show its benefits. If something about its product or contained in its product is found to be potentially harmful, companies often hire scientists to do some internal studies which will disprove the claim(s). They have a lot at stake, after all. And some sectors of the food and beverage industry have a strong lobby establishment aimed at keeping the masses worry-free over the potential health risks of their products (remember the national campaigns for "Got Milk?" and "Beef - it's what's for dinner?" These campaigns showed up on the national media precisely at a time when we were being told to watch out for too much fat and cholesterol in our diets.)

I'm not saying that the scientists working for companies are sinister or are being dishonest, but any kind of study can be geared toward the kinds of results you expect or desire. If you want to trust the studies that are out there, it is wise to find agreement from a variety of sources including pure research (not funded by industry).

I am not a scientist, but common sense dictates to me that "everything in moderation" is a good adage to live by. Too much fat is harmful, but in moderation, fat is not only "okay," it is essential to good health (at least certain kinds). The same goes for many of the foods and beverages we eat and drink.

And that brings us back to wine. Ah yes, red wine. I love it. But remember, everything in moderation!

Plenty of studies have been done on the health benefits of red wine. Yes, some have been funded from within the wine industry. But it was independent research that first discovered the link and repeated studies from various sources have confirmed the fact.

These studies have shown that red wine contains certain chemical compounds which act as powerful antioxidants. Unfermented grape juice also has some of the benefits, but in much less concentration. Interestingly, eating the grapes themselves does not provide the benefit. There seems to be something in the juicing process that unleashes the good stuff.

The question many have is, "what about the alcohol?" Many studies have shown that alcohol consumption is something we all need to be concerned about. But alcohol itself in moderate quantities also can have health benefits. Many hospitals in the UK are using red wine as therapy for heart patients. And the "French paradox" we often hear about suggests the same (the French eat a much higher fat diet but have less incidence of heart disease presumably because of their wine consumption with meals.)

I am not afraid to drink a glass or two of red wine with dinner. The health benefits have been shown and I have never been in danger of becoming an alcoholic. But I understand that for many, alcohol is not a wise choice, and in some cases not a choice at all.

In recent years, scientists have been able to extract the good properties of red wine and deliver them in a capsule. The benefits are not as pronounced as with the wine itself, but the antioxidant delivery is still tremendous.

Below I have listed what I have found to be the two excellent red wine extract supplements. As for red wine - I buy a lot of mine at the local supermarket, but I also buy mail-order to get some varieties you will never find locally. I have listed my favorite mail order supplier below.

Have fun, eat healthy, and remember, everything in moderation!

Joel Thomas is a Christian Pastor who lives in S. Arizona with his wife, six children and a dog.
Joel also heads up a mission of mercy to impoverished children in Sonora, Mexico and is a
syndicated columnist for theGadgetshoppe.com. You can reach Joel at joelthomas@cox.net

Veriuni Advanced Antioxidant with Red Wine Extract

This Advanced Antioxidant with Red Wine Extract helps safeguard your immune system, retard the aging process, and protect your health. Research has shown antioxidants also support heart health and eye health - both important to older adults. One dose delivers 500 mg of Vitamin C, 400 IU of Vitamin E, and 50 mg of red wine extract. Click here for more...

NSI Grape Seed, Green Tea, & Red Wine - 60 Caps

Red wine extract combined with two other powerful antioxidant formulas. Green tea is a natural source of antioxidants, which neutralize harmful molecules in the body known as free radicals. Researchers have found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant-like compound found in green tea, is over 200 times more powerful than vitamin E in neutralizing pro-oxidants and free radicals. Click here for more...

Two big, bold red wines delivered right to your door each month.

Whether for the reported health benefits or the taste, Wine.com knows some prefer reds. Cabernets, Merlots, Zinfandels, Malbecs, or your favorite "Sideways" Pinot, if you love reds, this wine club is for you.