Red Wine: Drink or Not Drink?
Many scientific studies have shown that red wine has the remarkable health benefits. Nevertheless, high consumption of red wine will harm our health.
Red wine has long been identified as a good beverage in term of its health benefits. A natural antioxidant, resveratrol, has linked to reduce the risk of getting cancer, atherosclerosis (the hardening of arteries) and heart disease.
Red Wine
A research conducted by Laval University of Quebec, Canada has found that the compound found in red wine may prevent dental diseases. They found that people who drink a glass of red wine a day may prevent the risk of getting oral diseases.
The scientists have learned that how the polyphenol extracted from the Bordeaux wine affects various types of germs related to oral’s health. They found that polyphenol can inhibit the growth of germs called streptococcus and staphylococcus in the mouth.
Streptococcus
Staphylococcus
The scientists have further confirmed that this polyphenol can help to suppress the progress of periodontal disease (an infection of the gum tissues that support our teeth).
Periodontal disease
The periodontal disease has become a major treat to two third of 50-year-old and above adults in America. Alcoholic drinks, tobacco smoking and diabetes are factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease. Most Americans suffer from this chronic gum diseases may also due to their usages of steroids and oral contraceptives which exposed them to a high risk of developing periodontitis (chronic infection of the gums that can lead to bleeding, tooth decay and sometimes tooth loss).
In fact, the polyphenols have also offered an outstanding health benefit in reducing the risk of getting Alzheimer’s diseases (a brain disease that are more prevalent when we age) besides preventing colorectal cancer.
Even though red wine is found to prevent oral diseases, it could stain the teeth and excessive consumption of alcohol is linked with mouth cancer. Also, high consumption may cause higher blood pressure or hypertension. The plant polyphenols, Tannin is also identified as a major cause for headache or migraine.
Mouth cancer
In conclusion, moderate consumption of red wine benefits our health. However, high consumption of red wine can do more harm than good.
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Judy Sheldon-Walker | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Chan, thank you for another brilliant article.
louie jerome | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Interesting article. Drink, or not drink? Drink!!!! That’s my conclusion. LOL
Liane Schmidt | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
Great, well written article. I am currently studying to be a nutritional consultant. I have found out that the pigments in red wine is what is actually the healthy part of the beverage. This pigment if found in the grapes. Thus, if you drink a glass of grape juice a day it would be much better for your health as too much alcohol as we know can be harmful to the health. Studies also show that alcohol, in moderation can help reduce stress in a quick, effective manner which can be a good remedy for people who are high strung. The old saying always rings true: everything in moderation.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Speed Limit | Dec 1, 2007 | Reply
I am also on the side of drinking, especially in Arizona (the alcohol evaporates quickly here).
CHAN LEE PENG | Dec 3, 2007 | Reply
Thank you, Judy, louie, liane and speed limit for your comments.