Why Wine Works

Red wine teams up with omega-3 fatty acids to protect the heart, according to a new study.

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Writing assistance by Elise Lindstrom, R.D.

Enjoying a glass or two of red wine each day is widely believed to lessen one’s risk for cardiovascular problems and other chronic diseases—although no one has really understood why. Until now.

A new study led by Roberta Cazzola from the University of Milan, Italy, and published in Food Research International says that the benefits stem from red wine polyphenols that protect omega-3s in the bloodstream from breaking down, reducing inflammation in the body and leading to a healthier heart.

The potent tag team is also attracting attention at Federico II University in Naples, Italy, where a study on the effects of dietary omega-3s and polyphenols on cardiovascular risk factors is expected to finish up in June 2012.

Polyphenols are plant chemicals with antioxidant properties that may exceed those of vitamins A, C, and E.  Flavonoids, resveratrol, lignans, and quercetin are among the many polyphenols.

Moderate wine consumption means one five-ounce glass a day for women and two for men.  In general, a serving of red wine adds about 0.5 grams of polyphenols to the diet; white varieties contain less. Looking specifically for flavonoids? Research at the University of California says the flavonoid favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. Spanish reds may offer the most resveratrol, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Don’t drink alcohol? Don’t start! Get your polyphenols from red grapes, strawberries, boiled peanuts, and dark chocolate. In addition, green tea and coffee contain lesser yet significant amounts of the antioxidants.

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Comments

  1. Drinking red wine and using a high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil will give you a double dose of good health. Ask your extra virgin olive oil supplier for a high polyphenol deliciously fruity extra virgin olive oil. A high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil stays a lot fresher than peanuts has no unhealthy transfats or excess sugar as in some dark chocolate.The polyphenols that are naturally available only in extra virgin olive oil along with the perfect balance of omega 3,6 and 9 are more bio-available in a fat and stay in the system longer than water soluble green tea anti-oxidants.Extra virgin olive oil contains other polyphenols that are good at fighting alcohol induced oxidative stress which is good for your liver.

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