Your Health and Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits (Part One)

Last May Wine Spectator Magazine did a whole issue about the Healing Power of Wine. Most people have heard that wine is good for you, but do you know why? This was a very informative issue. Many studies are being done on wine right now and some of the results might surprise you. Wine contains a compound found in the skins of red grapes, called resveratrol that protects us from heart disease, cancers and other diseases and ailments.

According to recent studies, it has been found that red wine with regular and moderate use (1 glass for women and 2 glasses for men per day) promotes good health. It can reduce heart disease up to 35 %, because the resveratrol prevents the formation of protein that reduces heart pumping efficiency. It also reduces production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad stuff) and boosts high density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol (the good stuff). Lastly the alcohol protects the heart mainly by acting on platelets to prevent clogging, thus helping your blood pressure. The resveratrol in red wine also helps with the reduction of cancer by boosting the immune system and blocking cancer formation with chemical components acting as antioxidants. It also prevents molecules from doing cellular damage inhibiting tumor development.

Studies are also being done that show how wine can cut your chances of getting a cold or the flu. There are even studies being done that show that drinking wine can increase your lifespan by 5 yrs. The most beneficial red wines are Cabernet, Pinot Noir and Petite Syrah. Now there are studies being done to show the benefits of white wine, I found an article on Web MD that states that whites maybe just a beneficial as reds.

Here in Yankton our Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits Manager Lynn Schieffer has done speeches for Heart Healthy events at our store and Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. Before starting any new diet changes be sure to consult with your doctor and do your own research. There are tons of studies out there.

Next Week we will discuss some health benefits of other wine and spirits products.