Red Wine Benefits for Women

Benefits

• Antioxidants found in the skin of red wine grapes can have beneficial effects in women. Red wines can help prevent some cancers and heart disease, while also reducing inflammations caused by arthritis. One study determined that revesterol, an antioxidant found in the red wine grape skins, might inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Other studies have shown women who drink one to two glasses of wine daily have 5 to 8 percent denser bones, preventing injuries. Another study noted this same antioxidant helped form nerve cells, which may help treat Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.

Negatives

• Excessive drinking of red wine or alcohol can lead to negative health effects for women. Many times excessive drinking can foster weight gain and addiction problems. It can cause a rise in the levels of LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol. In addition, studies have shown that red wine increases estrogen levels in women, possibly forming an association between breast cancer and red wine or alcohol intake. Red wine and other alcohol can impair judgment and the decision-making process. Always use caution.

History

• French women have drunk red wine for years while eating a diet rich in saturated fats. However, the French suffer a relatively low incidence of heart disease. Dr. Serge Renaud, in the early 1990s, coined the term "The French Paradox" to describe this phenomenon. After this, red wine consumption increased about 44 percent. This proclamation opened the door for researchers to study the various components in red wine and its effects on the human body and women.

Types

• Researchers have studied various types of wine grapes to determine their overall benefit. Some red wine grapes have higher concentrations of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant present in the grape skin. Researchers at California University, Davis determined cabernet sauvignon grapes, followed by petite syrah and pinot noir, have the highest concentrations of flavonoids. The researchers also discovered red zinfandels and merlot possess fewer flavonoids. For women who prefer white wines, the amount of flavonoid present is significantly lower and the benefit is less. Generally, the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavonoids. Your best bet is a dry red wine.

Quantity

• One serving of red wine is four to five ounces. For maximum benefit, women should consume only one or two servings per day. Those consuming more than two servings a day face an increased risk for elevated fat in the bloodstream, nerve cell damage, and pancreas and liver damage. For those non-drinkers, starting to drink red wine is not appropriate. Studies have shown occasional or binge drinkers have higher mortality rates than moderate, regular drinkers. Consuming a moderate amount of red wine is limited to healthy individuals. Consult a physician before consuming red wine.