Wine
ADVANTAGES
· In moderation, wine may decrease the risk of heart disease, especially in
middle-aged and elderly men .
· Wine consumed with food enhances the body’s absorption of iron.
DRAWBACKS
· Red wine may induce migraines.
· Sulphur dioxide and histamine in wines can induce asthma attacks and other allergic reactions.
· Drunk to excess, wine can lead to hangovers, alcoholism and cirrhosis.
Medical opinion is divided as to whether wine is beneficial or harmful to health, though there is growing support for the argument that moderate consumption — particularly of red wine — may reduce the risk of heart disease later in life. On the other hand, some substances in wine are suspected of causing cancer.
Wine has little nutritional value except for its alcohol content. A glass of red wine (125 ml) supplies about 85 Calories and white about 90 Calories.
Red wines typically contain about 12 percent ALCOHOL (ethanol) by volume, or 9.5 per cent by weight, and minimal amounts of sugar. White wines contain more variable amounts of alcohol and sugar. Wine also contains some iron but, more importantly, it helps the body to absorb iron in food when it is drunk at mealtimes.
There are elements in wine that can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible people. One of them is sulphur dioxide — used to inhibit the activities of some yeasts and bacteria — which is released when the wine is first uncorked. The other is histamine, which is found pre dominantly in red wine.
It is often claimed that, in spite of the high fat intake in French diets, coronary heart disease rates are low in France(‘Wine Country’ :p) because of the high level of red wine consumed there. However, many other wine- drinking countries, such as Bulgaria and Hungary, have high rates of heart disease. Moreover, a recent World Health Organisation study found that the French rates of heart disease were somewhat higher than had previously been claimed. Mouth and throat cancers are common in France and this has been linked to the high wine consumption. Anyone who drinks a lot of wine and also smokes is particularly at risk from these forms of oral cancer. Numerous studies have confirmed that moderate quantities of — alcohol (two to three units a day) offer some protection against heart disease regardless of the source of alcohol. Some recent studies also suggest that a substance in red wine may offer additional health benefits by decreasing the tendency for blood to clot, as well as acting as an antioxidant.
However, some individuals find that red wine triggers migraine. It is thought that this may be due to the polyphenols it contains. Studies also show that for some people wine can spark allergic reactions which include nausea, rashes and wind.
You Might Be Interested In
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment