ask the dietitian
By Suzanne Carere, BASc, RD
Q. I’ve heard many people say that red wine is healthy and good for your heart. Is this true?
Suzanne: I’d like to start by sharing the original Greek definition of health: “To laugh and drink with friends”.
Red wine has stood out above other forms of alcohol because of two main constituents – resveratrol and its collection of flavonoids. I’ll leave the explanation of resveratrol for Dr. Gottleib as it falls into his area of expertise. Flavonoids however, are right up my alley. They are powerful antioxidants found in the skin and seeds of grapes (in this case), which help the plant to repair damaged cells and protect it from environmental toxins. In humans, a similar benefit is seen. Antioxidants help us to prevent free radicals from damaging cells in our bodies, which in turn decrease our chances of developing cancer or cardiac injury. It’s important to remember however, that the antioxidant properties of wine come from the grapes. Flavonoids aren’t magically inserted during the fermentation process.
There’s also something to be said for the effect of alcohol itself. Research has shown that stress has a number of negative effects on the body. Perhaps, within moderation, alcohol induces a more relaxed state; decreasing levels of circulating stress hormones like adrenalin and cortisol.
Suzanne Carere, BASc, RD,
is a Director at HealthWithCare in Markham.
Contact her at 905-474-5754 x 2018
or at suzanne.carere@healthwithcare.ca
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
