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Does Preventing Heart Disease with Red Wine Really Work?

In the year 1992, the so called French Paradox was discovered. This French Paradox was based on the theory that consumption of red wine had a positive effect on heart disease. Preventing heart disease with red wine is very good to hear. The problem with the French Paradox is that many wine producers latched on to this and began to sell their wine claiming health benefits. People, especially those who loved wine to begin with, believed this and began consuming wine to a greater degree.

The problem with a theory, such as preventing heart disease with red wine, is that it still needs a lot of time for it to be proven true and there are limitations to it. Marketing claims are not specific as to how much wine can be consumed to bring about the benefits of preventing heart disease with red wine.

Dissecting the French Paradox

Studies have proven that preventing heart disease with red wine is possible. Actually, the studies have shown that only a few ounces of red wine per day is needed to reap the benefits of preventing heart disease with red wine. In fact, the studies have shown that alcohol from beer and spirits can be beneficial in a maximum amount of three ounces per day. Any more than that and the benefits turn to negative effects. Wine has been cited to have more beneficial effects compared to beer and other spirits but still at the maximum of three ounces per day.

Three ounces is good enough in preventing heart disease with red wine but the question now is, can people who are used to drinking wine stop at just three ounces per day? Many European nations and cultures drink wine at mealtimes, specifically lunch and dinner. This means that even if you drink just a glass of red wine per meal, you still exceed the healthy daily limit to reap the benefits of red wine.

The reason why preventing heart disease with red wine is not as effective as other antioxidant theories is because of the alcohol. Grapes contain an element called polyphenols which are also present in many berries and fruits as well as tea and chocolate. When mixed with alcohol, the polyphenols are not as effective because alcohol has a negative effect on our bodies.

Preventing heart disease with red wine is effective but only to a certain degree which is why there is a three ounce limit for red wine daily consumption.