We are often being told that red wine is good for our health, but do we really know why?

In countries where red wine is consumed in larger quantities, such as Italy and France, there is less of a problem of heart disease and fatal strokes. Whereas, in countries like North America and the United Kingdom, where red wine is consumed in smaller quantities the problem is considerably higher. The reason for this is down to chemicals in the red wine which include polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants, and are found in a number of different sources, including grapes/wine, as well as beer, tea, coffee, olive oil, chocolate/cocoa, peanuts, and several other fruits and vegetables.

The skin of the red grape, (and so a constituent of red wine), contains Resveratrol which is a phytoalexin or naturally occurring antibiotic. This is produced when the plant is being attacked by bacteria or fungi, and is a vital antioxidant to the cardiovascular system. These antioxidants work by helping to reduce the damage from oxygen, caused by substances called free radicals, which can lead to cell dysfunction and the onset of heart disease and diabetes. Resveratrol is known to help increase the levels of HDL or good cholesterol, while trials are on-going as to its anti-cancer properties.

Is all cholesterol bad?

No, the body needs cholesterol, it is vital to ensure normal function. Without it, the body would not work, however, high levels in the blood system are associated with atherosclerosis, which is the main cause of coronary heart disease. The cholesterol is carried around the body by proteins called lipoproteins.

The two main types of lipoproteins are LDL and HDL:

LDL – low-density lipoprotein – is the bad, damaging type of cholesterol. Having excessive LDL cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk is worse if you have higher levels of LDL cholesterol with a lower level of HDL cholesterol. If you are at risk of developing heart disease and your LDL level is 100 mg/dL or higher, your cholesterol could be too high. HDL – high-density lipoprotein – is a good, protective type of cholesterol. HDL stops cholesterol build up in the walls of the arteries. If the level of HDL cholesterol is below 40 mg/dL, your risk from heart disease is much greater. The higher your levels of HDL cholesterol, the better. The average for men is around 45 mg/dL, and for women 55 mg/dL.
Cholesterol, food and red wine.

A major misconception many people have is that most food is full of cholesterol. This is not so, there is actually very little cholesterol found in foods. Those to be wary of are eggs, shellfish and offal. The type of fat in the food is the key, so when you choose a food, ensure that it contains unsaturated fat and not saturated fat.

Saturated fat (the bad fat) is found mainly in animal products such as sausages, butter, lard, bacon, pies, biscuits, cakes and pastries. This the fat that we need to cut down on. Excessive saturated fat raises cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Unsaturated fat, (the good fat), is found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, and fresh tuna, sunflower and olive oils, and nuts and avocados. These fats can greatly reduce cholesterol levels. Many of us need to cut down on the bad animal fats, and where possible replace them with a foodstuff high in polyunsaturated fat. By doing this, and having the occasional glass of red wine we will improve our health dramatically.

But remember, always drink your red wine in moderation, one glass of red wine for women and two glasses for men will lower the risks involved with heart attacks by between 30 and 50 percent. And of course take plenty of exercise.

Some of the varieties of red wine I would recommend are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Shiraz.

By: Rob Hemphill

Almost every year there are headlines touting the health benefits related to drinking wine. The good news is there really are health benefits to wine consumption. These benefits are based on moderate consumption. The American Heart Association classifies “moderate consumption” as one to two four-ounce glasses of wine per day. Here’s a list of benefits that should make you very happy to be a wine lover.

Reduces High Blood Pressure
A 2007 study by the Harvard School of Public Health of over 11,000 men published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that moderate wine drinkers with high blood pressure are 30% less likely to have a heart attack than non-wine drinkers.

Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
A 2006 study by Queen Mary University in London, and published in Nature discovered that the tannins in red wine contain procyanidins, which protect against heart disease.

Reduces the Risk of Colon Cancer
A 2005 study of over 2,000 individuals over a four-year period published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology and conducted by Stony Brook University found that moderate consumption of wine, especially red wine cuts the risk of colon cancer by 45%.

Lowers the Risk of Stroke
A 2006 study of more than 3,000 individuals conducted by Columbian University over an eight year period found that moderate wine drinkers reduce their chances of suffering a blood clot-related stroke by 50%.

Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A 2005 study of more than 300,000 individuals over a 12 year period conducted by Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center found that moderate wine drinkers have a 30% less chance of developing type-2 diabetes than non-wine drinkers.

Reduces the Risk of Cataracts
A 2003 study of over 1,000 individuals in Iceland, and published in Nature found that those who consume wine are 43% less likely to develop cataracts than those who drink beer.

Longevity
A 2007 Finish study published in the Journals of Gerontology of over 2000 men over the age of 29 concluded that wine drinkers have a 34% lower mortality rate than those who drink beer or hard liquor.

So, Cheers! To Your Health!

By: Cheryl Bond-Nelms

A glass of fine red wine provides the classic accompaniment to a dinner at an upscale restaurant or a cozy supper at home with family and friends. But now, emerging research suggests that red wine might have health benefits to make it doubly welcome at the table.

However, the detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption are well known, and many people might avoid red wine because of concerns that the health risks associated with alcohol might outweigh red wine’s positive effects. In order to make a decision about whether drinking red wine is likely to contribute to your good health, there are a few basic facts that you should keep in mind.

The Pros And Cons Of Red Wine

Like any alcoholic beverage, red wine will become destructive to your health if consumed in excess. There are two major dangers associated with alcohol consumptions. The first is liver damage over time, which unfortunately is not a risk solely for people who drink in excess.

Individuals, who are on certain forms of prescription medication, or over-the-counter pain relievers, may be at risk for liver damage even if they drink in moderation. When considering whether red wine might be good for your health, be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications you may be taking and whether these will make you vulnerable to liver damage.

The other major risk is the danger associated with driving while intoxicated. Luckily, this danger is easy to avoid if you take some time to plan your evenings. A designated driver takes the risk out of evening get-togethers where a bottle of wine will be shared, and many people live within walking distance of excellent restaurants where a good glass of red wine can be enjoyed.

Taken in moderation, red wine has many benefits that far exceed the risks. For healthy individuals with no predisposition to liver problems, red wine is a source of abundant flavonoids, a type of antioxidant linked to a many indicators of good health.

Flavonoids have been particularly associated with good cardiovascular health and show the potential to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties.

These potential health benefits are the result of a compound called reservatrol, which can be found in the skins and seeds of red grapes. This compound puts red wine in a class of food sources of antioxidants, a group which also includes dark chocolate, green tea and citrus fruits.

When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of red wine, it is important to consider the fact that red wine’s benefits represent small amounts of protective and positive value over time.

Increasing the amount of red wine you drink will not increase the positive health outcomes associated with red wine and in fact would probably undermine any benefit that you might be receiving. While the dangers of liver damage and drunken driving are significant, there is also a slight elevation in the risk of breast cancer associated with alcohol consumption.

For this reason, many health experts advise women to drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day and men to drink no more than two.

By: Jon Kelly

Chicago is one of the most unique cities in the United States. It appeals to those who like big cities but also is less intimidating than other large metropolitan areas in the US because of its location in the friendly Midwestern state of Illinois. As with most big cities, there are many great places to go out to eat and so many wonderful options. Whether you are in the area looking for homes for sale or IL homes for sale or just visiting the city as a tourist for a vacation, this article will offer some great recommendations for wonderful eateries.

The first restaurant that is a local favorite is called Topo Gigio and is a wonderful little neighborhood Italian restaurant located in the Old town neighborhood on North Wells. It is always busy and really makes you feel as it is a family owned and run spot where you are being welcomed into someone’s home. The food is authentic Italian with fresh ingredients and amazing flavors. The entrees are generous and one could easily feed two people. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the food and the wine selection too. This restaurant is definitely one of the special gems in Chicago and is open for both lunch and dinner.

Another fun spot to go to for dinner is called Café BaBa Reeba which is located in Lincoln Park and is owned by Chef Gabino Sotelino and part of the Lettuce Entertain You enterprises. It was the first tapas restaurant to open in Chicago and is a fun place to go to with a group where you can share several small plates of tapas which are appetizers from Spain. They are also known for their Spanish dish, paella and the fruity infused wine called Sangria. It is a great place for a festive party and the ambiance is fun and casual.

Another wonderful spot in Chicago is called North Pond which is named after the pond that it is located on in the Lincoln Park area. The building used to be the old warming hut for ice skaters in the winters and provides a cozy, beautiful setting looking over the water. This is a great place for a special occasion as it is quite expensive. The chef, Bruce Sherman, uses all organic and locally grown food to incorporate in a tasty, somewhat eclectic menu of American dishes. It has been noted to be one of the most romantic restaurants in Chicago.

The final place that is recommended to eat when you are in Chicago is at the restaurant named NoMi which is located on the 7th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel on Michigan Avenue. Be sure to make reservations for the brunch at NoMi as it is unforgettable. The view in this French dining room is spectacular overlooking Chicago and Lake Michigan. It has received many accolades and awards for the fine food prepared by Chef Christophe David but the brunch is one of the best anywhere and is highly recommended as a treat for you.

By: Connor R Sullivan

1317 14th street (Denver) has held a variety of establishments over the years. From the legendary Soapie Smith’s, to the “I can’t remember what happened last night” at Martini Ranch, and finally “that was the best meal I’ve ever had” at Euclid Hall. Less than a year old Euclid Hall has blown away the competition in not only a variety of great food but some of the best beers Colorado has ever seen.

While beer bars are quickly becoming the establishment to open and spend time at few do it right. When looking at what a beer bar is the first thing that comes to mind is an establishment that carries just about every beer style known to man. You want to have the options! You want to see the best craft breweries and the best craft beer from around the country from the west coast to the east coast. You want your pick of amazing Belgian beer from strong ales to sours. German Lagers and Weizens and French Biere De Garde. Euclid Hall offers all of this and so much more.

Euclid opened it’s doors August 4th, 2010 and Denver, Colorado would be changed forever. Euclid Hall is an American Tavern featuring some of the best pub food from around the world with a Euclidean twist. Chef / Owner Jen Jasinksi and Owner Beth Gruitch wanted a place where comfort food was always on the menu and the price wasn’t what you would expect. With America facing a recession it was a no-brainer to start a restaurant that was affordable but didn’t cut corners on great food. With the craft beer market becoming more and more mainstream it made perfect sense to pair great food with great beer and own a niche that was desperately needed for Colorado.

Euclid Hall has receive a lot of press for their food and the hours in which they serve. Open from eleven-thirty a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, two p.m. to one a.m. Friday and Saturday, and two p.m. to midnight on Sunday; it’s no wonder they won best late night menu from Westword’s Best Of Denver. Knowing that Denver lacked a place to dine after ballgames, theater, and when all the other restaurants closed their doors for the night; Beth and Jen knew they were on to something with late night hours.

A lot of people ask, “Is the theme German?” This is more than a reasonable assumption since a lot of the menu items happen to have a German influence. Euclid is known for making the best sausages in all of Denver. The very best they serve happens is the Short Rib Kielbasa; bright pink with grill marks, snappy casing, and beyond delicious. Pair their Kielbasa up with Oskar Blue’s Gubna for a phenomenal pairing.The Hopwurst comes in close second as a bratwurst filled with Centennial Hops, cheddar curds, and caramelized onions slow cooked in Lagunita’s Censored amber ale; this sausage delivers juicy richness balanced by sweet onion mild bitter hops and is easily paired with Lagunita’s Censored red ale. They also carry a Veal Weisswurst, Budin Noir (classic French blood sausage), and a kick-ass E-dog (smoked and skewered turkey Frankfurt breaded in sweet corn meal batter).

If sausage wasn’t enough for German cousin Euclid also showcases schnitzel for their entree courses. Three types shine on the menu and each are distinct in their own right. The Veal Schnitzel’s pounded thin, lightly dusted in Panko bread crumbs, and deep fried. Served with their pickled and braised cabbage (prepared, Sou-Vide with duck fat) this dish is hearty and comforting; paired with Russian River’s Damnation and your one step to heaven. Their Dover Sole Schnitzel is perfect for the seafood fan featuring lightly breaded Dover Sole, deep fried, finished with grilled squid and an orange argon aioli; add a scallop and it’s a trifecta of seafood best paired with Stone’s Smoked Porter or Unibroue’s La Fin Du Monde. Finally there is the chicken and waffles but not Rosco’s style. Chicken paillard breaded and fried, served with sourdough waffles shingled across the plate, with salted walnuts, and grade A maple syrup; this dish is sweet and savory best paired with Piraat Belgian Tripel.

Euclid Hall also took a note from Canada when coming up with amazing menu items. Welcome Poutines! A poutine is a French-Canadian cheese fry. Translating to “a mess” Euclid takes this traditional street side dish and takes it to the next level. Kennebec French fries with melted cheese curds topped with gravy and meat makes this the perfect comfort appetizer or the best dish for dinner. Offering a short rib and prime tri-tip steak smothered with Bordeaux gravy is very hearty and best paired with Belgian dark strong ale such as Gulden Draak. The also offer a vegetarian poutine with Porcini gravy, melted curds, Kennebec fries, and a slew of wild mushrooms. The best however is their Duck Poutine. Rich duck gravy with duck meat slathered over fries and melted curds; make this even better by adding a kielbasa on top and pair it with Schneider Doppelbock Wheat.

Euclid Hall however is known for sharing. While all the dishes are perfect for single service per person it’s even better when everyone orders a few items and share with each other. All the side dishes are shareable; the spatzel, cabbage apple slaw, and Colorado fingerling potato salad will have you shuddering in disbelief over their flavor. Try some pickles while your there as well! 16 gallons of pickles are curing daily in their prep kitchen and their pickle sampler is perfect for the table. Euclid makes a hop infused pickle, a sincerely spicy pickle, sweet bread and butter pickles, and their seasonal. Seasonal vary between pineapple express, escabeche, blood orange, and many more. Think sharing food is fun? Try sharing beer.

Euclid Hall won a slew of awards from Westword’s Best Of Denver including: Best Rising Star Chef, Best New Restaurant, Best Late Night Menu, Best New American Restaurant, and Best Bottle Beer List. With a few beer bars in Denver to choose from it speaks volumes that they won the Best Bottle Beer List award. Euclid features a progressive beer list with categories such as Arithmetic and Algebra being more session able beers, to Calculus and Quantum Mechanics which are the upper end of alcohol by volume (abv) and complex craft beer. With an ever rotating reserve list labeled “Oddities and Rarities” having between 10 and 30 more beers available that will probably not be there the next time your in. They feature 12 taps for draught beer, four lines are dedicated to local microbreweries, and the other eight are for draft lines bringing barrel aged beer, sour beer, Belgian beer, India Pale Ale (IPA), and double IPA’s to Denver beer lovers.

Euclid Hall also features an amazing amount of large format bottles for guests. Their philosophy when it comes to sharing is beyond apparent, when you look at their menu. Euclid decided to offer the same concept when it comes to their beer. 750ml bottles are a common place at this beer bar and they allow a table to partake together in drinking great beer. Staples on their beer menu include Van Steenberge’s Piraat and Gulden Draak in large format bottles. Dupont, Boulevard, Deschutes, and Gouden Carolus are just a few of the 750ml bottles they offer. Recently they acquired few magnums of Rochefort 8 (that’s two 750ml bottles in one) as well as Stone’s Arrogant Bastards Jeroboam (four 750ml bottles in one.)

With some of the most amazing food in Denver and one of the best beer lists to choose from, it’s no wonder Sam Calagione (owner of Dogfish Head brewing) said Euclid Hall is quickly becoming the best beer bar in the country. the Brewers Association (BA) frequently hosts their dinners at Euclid and just about every brewery in the country knows who they are and wants on their beer list. If you want some delicious comfort food and some of the best beer this world has to offer then you need to stop by Euclid Hall next time your in Denver, Colorado.

By: Marc Bayes

If there is one type of wine that should not be prohibited for its alcohol content, it should be the red wine. Today, there are so many studies that show the health benefits of red wine to people who regularly consume it compared to those who do not.

These studies base their findings about the health benefits of red wine from the fact that red wine is made from a fruit that is rich in antioxidants. Today, more and more studies show that red wine owes its health benefits from the high level of antioxidants called ” resveratrol” present in the seeds and skins of processed and fermented grapes during the rigorous process of making red wine.

As defined, resveratrol refers to a kind of polyphenol known as “phytoalexin” that is a group of compounds plants use to defend themselves against attacks such as untimely stress, possible injuries, or UV irradiation and certain diseases such as fungus and infection.

Because of the long process and prolonged fermentation of grapes in red-wine making, high levels of resveratrol are found to be present in finished bottle of red wine.

The health benefits of consuming red wine

Antioxidants are believed to be a “miracle substance” that can fight almost all forms of diseases that come with aging. Since red wine is believed to contain significant amount of an antioxidant that matter such as resveratrol, more and more people are making it a part of their hearty meals the way French people do.

The following are just some of the believed health benefits of red wine consumption.

1. Red wine helps prevent the possibility of various neuro-degenerative illnesses and diseases. Studies show that because of the high resveratrol content of red wine, its properties can help avoid aging people to develop diseases and illnesses common among them such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Red wine is good for the heart. The specific substances in wines like tannins and flavoniods can raise the levels of good cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in the person’s blood. Its antioxidant properties also help in the reduction of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the body that can prevent a person from developing various cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, as well as strokes.

3. Red wine helps reduce the harmful effects of food poisoning. The properties in red wine can help cleanse the body from toxins. Aside from preventing food poisoning, it can also help the person to avoid varying levels of dysentery and acquiring diarrhea.

4. Red wine can cure and prevent various gum diseases. Caused by inflamed muscles in the gums and weakened tooth, gum disease is a common mouth problem to some people especially to smokers. Experts advise people who suffer from gum diseases to drink red wine because the polyphenols in it can reduce the presence of free radicals that causes the infection and bacteria proliferation inside the mouth.

5. Red wine can prevent certain cancers. Because of the wonders brought by resveratrol in red wines, experts believe that regular and moderate consumption can help fight possible cancer cells from proliferating.

6. Red wine can suspend the progression and possibility of dementia especially to old ones.

7. Red wine can serve as blood thinners for people with high blood pressure because it contains blood pressure lowering-substances and compounds.

8. Red wine can provide healthy skin. Thousands of polyphenol can prevent the damages brought by cell oxidation process and results to healthy and young looking skin.

By: Chris Hana

Champagne a festive wine was actually the first wine which was made 2,000 years ago, was named after a small town in France. Wines from the champagne region were known from the middle-ages. During those periods wines were either red or white. The first commercial sparkling wine was produced in the Limoux area of Languedoc in the year 1535. Sparkling wines usually come from areas where grapes don’t have enough sun to ripe according to other wine standards.

We have all heard about the medical benefits of red and white wine. But recent findings have revealed that champagne has got medical benefits too. When raising a glass of Champagne and toasting ‘Cheers’, the attitude is generally a way of praising one’s health and well being in a figurative way.

According to the JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY published in April 2007 revealed that moderate consumption of Champagne as a source behind brain protection. This sparkling wine according to the recent joint study of University of Reading and University of Cagliari may help protect the brain against injuries incurred during a stroke and other ailments, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. So now when we raise a glass of Champagne and shout ‘Cheers’, we can really mean it.

The reason for the Champagne’s ability to cope with the brain according to the researchers lies in the high presence of polyphenols packed within every bottle. Red wine was declared as the healthiest types of wines to drink, because of the highest concentration of polyphenols. Polyphenols are known antioxidants, which are believed to help avoid cell death due to oxidative stress. Previous research found Champagne to contain high amounts of other types of phenolic compounds, such as tyrosol and caffeic acid.

Scientists carried out tests in order to find out if the polyphenols found in Champagne are similarly beneficial to those in red wines. Measurable levels of polyphenols were extracted from Chardonnay and Pinot noir/ Pinot Meunier and several samples of cortical neuron were prepared cells from mice. After separating mice cells into two groups “one that would be let alone and one that would be penetrated with Champagne extracts” the scientists simulated a stroke on the cells and saw the reaction. The scientists monitored how the brain cells reacted to the presence of the peroxynitrite, which is a reactive compound found in the brain during inflammatory conditions. It was found that the pretreatment with Champagne wine extracts resulted in significant protection against neurotoxicity.

The scientists trust that the Champagne extracts protected neuron cells in numerous ways, noting that in the sample with the highest concentration of sparkling wine, brain-cell function was completely restored over time. They also believed that caffeic acid and tyrosol may help to normalize the cells’ response to injury with their anti-inflammatory attributes. The compounds also act as cellular-level mops, essentially cleaning up and removing hazardous chemicals from the body. The researchers also wrote that there was evidence that dietary polyphenols can cross the “blood-brain barrier” which would suggest that the above molecular behavior has the potential to act in the same way, within the human central nervous system, if consumed.

It is too early to tell if consuming Champagne will have benefits for a long time, because the amount of polyphenols in Champagne varies greatly from “variety, vintage and a wide range of environmental factors”. But scientists are hoping to be able to shed more light on the potential beneficial effects of Champagne on human health and life span, with a specific interest on its influence over aging.

But, as more and more research is performed, Champagne has a chance to turn over a new leaf in medical science in the future. This life preserve task may be one, Champagne takes on a new, but it’s one we hope goes to its and our heads, for the sustainability of humanity. With the associates of the health community raising its rank, Champagne is our new champion. So, as it puts a cork in brain injury, we intend you have a toast to the Dom Perignons, the Veuve Clicquots, and the Louis Roederers of the world. Fill your glass with the sparkling wine and ease your mind, “Cheers”.

By: Devi Nisha

The word ‘Coffee shop’ reminds me the fragrance of coffee in a friendly environment with some friends sitting on a table and gossiping. City dwellers of Denver love their place so much, that they are trying to convert it in a better place to stay, to do job and to drink coffee. That’s why Denver has so many high-quality coffee shops; some of the shops are really excellent.

Placed at the 16th Street at 225 E., ‘Curious Coffee and Catering’ successfully running its business from last two years as it is offering delicious bakery items with a helpful, responsive and well-mannered employee who always remember each client’s name and their order. With unique characteristics like these it still stands as number one shop for coffee in Denver.

Then comes ‘Enchanted Grounds’ which situated in Highlands Ranch at 8800 S. Colorado Blvd that is 12 miles away in the south direction from the Denver town. They provide the customer with their special NOVO coffee. Each and every item found in Enchanted Grounds is locally made and they are really delicious. Gameporium at Enchanted Grounds is also increasing its reputation and goodwill with a great collection of various games, books, toys and different puzzle. Customer who arrives here to have the coffee in Denver really enjoys the environment of Enchanted Grounds.

Next comes another two famous shops for coffee in Denver. One is ‘Carino Coffee’ which is in Smoky Hill Rd. at 20971E in the youngest town in Colorado and the other one is ‘Centennial’ positioned in the southern area of Denver’s which is really a treasure. Both of them offer Kaladi Brother’s special coffee with WiFi and a terrace which is fore pet friendly. That’s not all, every Saturday morning they entertain their guests with live music and fresh baked food items. Decorated with comfortable sitting, a fireplace and stocked bookshelf the Carino’s is really a place for guests to relax, enjoy and have a few cups of coffee in Denver.

Established in 1986 in Denver ‘Paris on the Platte’ may be the most exceptional and oldest shop of coffee in Denver as well as Colorado. One can easily find this shop in the Lodo district of Denver at 1001 Platte St. With superb Coffee and food they have free WiFi. Only the environment is controversial.

Another shop for coffee in Denver is Common Grounds that cover two places at the time by their two outlets. One at Lodo area 17th St. at 1601 and another one are at the Highlands at 32nd Ave. at 3438. Guests are welcomed here with a warm hospitality. They offer a good environment with comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, music, Wi-Fi and exclusive collection of books to entertain their guests.

There are even more shops of coffee in Denver and its surroundings. Some chain shops are also there if you enjoy that kind of environment. Milehighbuzz.com is a blog where you will find more detail about shops of Mile High city of Denver there.

By: Tridipta Ghosh

We all have raised our wine glasses in a special toast and said, “To your health”. While we do not throw our wine glasses in the fireplace anymore there is a good deal to be said about the health benefits of wine, both red and white varieties.

Will it give us an increase in longevity? Some very impressive statistics are coming out from Researchers who have found red wines rich in flavonoids are actually good for our health. These flavonoids are known for their antioxidant properties which work with the body to resist viruses and carcinogens among other perks, such as helping your body to resist cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Of course like anything else, moderation should be maintained, you do not have to get “tipsy”, everyday to get the health benefits of wine by the flavonoids in red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir are the highest concentrations of antioxidants and flavonoids. A 16th Swiss physician wrote, “Wine is a food, a medicine and a poison – it is just a question of dose”.

The French people have a lower rate of heart disease due to the region that their red wine is produced. The French red wines are very tannic and contain high procyanidin (antioxidant) content of any wines worldwide.

The dryer red wines such as Merlots or red Zinfandels contain fewer flavonoids but more than white wines.

For a reasonable fill of your antioxidants so most health officials recommend, would be one or two four-ounce glasses of wine per day for men and one four-ounce glass for women. So adding a glass or two of red or white wine to your diet can be beneficial. “To your Health”

By: Gary Rogers

If you enjoy drinking alcohol now and then, you should think about drinking more wine than other types due to its proven health benefits. Basically red wine is a great source of phytochemicals usually found in plants. One of the most known such chemical is resveratrol, which I’m sure you’ve already heard of at least in passing.

Resveratrol provides valuable antioxidant protection from damages done by free radicals and it also helps the good (LDL) cholesterol, while at the same time keeps us from aging at a faster rate, helps out heart remain healthy and helps with cell regeneration.

Drinking red wine moderately also has shown to help with a balanced level of blood sugar. Also antioxidants are said to minimize the risk of various cancers and faster aging, however they have many more benefits that we are not touching in this article unless we want to write a novel.

Of course, just like with everything else, drinking alcohol should be done at a moderate pace. It won’t help anyone if you are constantly drunk and you might not only endanger your health but by a reckless behavior you might also put other lives at risk.

You can find many different types of red wines to enjoy, however if you really want to get the extra benefits that resveratrol can offer you, try to get your hands on a good bottle of European Pinot Noir, made in France. This grape is said to contain one of the highest amounts of resveratrol around.

If you are a wine lover and drinker, you should strongly consider getting yourself a practical wine decanter that will help you in storing and pouring your drink effectively without letting any deposits into the glass.

By: Vaso Johnson