Discovering the Health Benefits of Red Wine

Over the last few decades, continuous research is being done in various parts of the planet in the attempt to prove the health benefits of red wine. One of the most established evidence is the known fact that French people have lower rates of heart diseases and have higher life expectancy, especially those living in the South of France. This is because they have a Mediterranean diet, wherein red wines are included. The research also shows that a specific type of polyphenol group called "procyanidins" plays a key role in improving people's health.

In the UK, enough scientific evidence has been found that proves certain red wines help lower the risk of heart disease by increasing the levels of HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), which is the good cholesterol that helps transport lipids within the water-based bloodstream. As a result, it prevents the oxidation of LDL and endothelin-1 synthesis, which cause atherosclerosis or the thickening of the artery walls. However, only by drinking traditionally fermented red wines can people experience such positive effects in their health. This is because red wines that undergo old-fashioned fermentation have longer contact times between the grape seeds and the skins, which are rich in procyanidins.

Furthermore, by reducing the risk of heart disease, red wine can also help prevent stroke or Alzheimer's disease, which are both caused by atherosclerosis of the blood vessels in the brain. However, this does not mean that individuals who want to be healthy should drink lots of red wine every day. Moderation is still the rule of thumb, according to experts.