Wine & Your Heart

Many have heard rumors about the positive effects that wine can have on our health. The “French Paradox” study, by Serge Renaud, put this theory to the test by conducting studies on men and women to see if moderate wine consumption was positively associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer.

What Renaud found was that populations that consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, and wine had a greaterreduction of cardiovascular damage than populations that do not consume these types of foods and beverages.

“Renaud and colleagues from the University of Bordeaux found that moderate wine consumption, 2-3 glasses a day, was associated with a 30% reduction in the death rate from all causes; a 35% percent reduction in death rates from cardiovascular disease; and an 18-24% reduction in death rates from cancer.”

The primary cause of cardiovascular disease is oxidative damage to the artery walls caused by oxidized lipids and cholesterol in the bloodstream, which inflames artery walls that narrows arteries. What causes the reduction in cardiovascular damage is a diet that is rich in phytonutrients. Wine is filled with phytonutrients, which inhibit the oxidation of lipids, such as fats and oils.

Since wine, along with fruits and vegetables, are rich in anti-oxidants, it counter-balances the free radicals.

Make sure to enjoy some of your favorite Messina Hof wines to get your antioxidants – visit our Online Store to purchase today!

For information about American Heart Month, click on the link to the American Heart Association.