Is red wine beneficial for health or a potent poison? In the old times Plato said that "nothing more excellent or valuable than wine was ever granted by the Gods to man." Nowadays research suggests that a glass of red wine each day may be providing you with more than just a little relaxation.
The French seem to know something about the health benefits of red wine considering that studies that compared French and German red wines, revealed that the French red wines delivered a greater health benefit due to their higher level of antioxidants. Experts believe that red wine contains certain compounds that help protect the heart. This has opened the door for other researchers to study the components in red wine that may be responsible for its health benefits.
In the last 10 years, thousands of research on red wine showed that moderate intake of this drink improves cardiovascular health. The cardio protective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes
Based on the research experts advise that the antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in three ways: by reducing production of low density lipoprotein (the "bad" cholesterol), by boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and by reducing blood clotting.
Furthermore researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant resveratrol, which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumour development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The most recent studies on red wine presented at the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) annual meeting, in Orlando, Florida by the Canadians show that Red wine polyphenols may help fight gum disease. V. Houde, M. Boisvert and their colleagues from University Laval in Canada investigated the role of polyphenols, including those from red wine, in scavenging free radicals released by immune cells stimulated with components of bacteria causing periodontal diseases. Free radicals are believed to be at least partly responsible for the development of gum disease and are generated by immune cells during periodontitis. In order to have healthy gums it is important to that free radicals are maintained at low levels. Their results indicated that red wine polyphenols significantly modulate several inflammatory components released by macrophages (a population of host immune cells) in response to bacterial stimuli.
Visit Vintage Roots for organic wines.

About the Author

Alison White

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Wine Barrels Products we recommend

Mikasa Cheers Too 16-Ounce White Wine Glass, Set of 4

An extension of the original Mikasa Cheers line, the Cheers Too beverage collection features four upbeat, etched patterns for playful yet harmonious variation. Composed yet whimsical, the collection's patterns include lollipop lines, vertical stripes, fine waves, and frosted dots. Cheers Too glasses stand on their own well or dovetail seamlessly with Cheers pieces for a blend of up to eight coordinated looks. A range of stems and bar glasses, Cheers Too is crafted from lead crystal glass for an elegant look and comfortable feel.

Add a lighthearted touch to chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and pinot gris with the Cheers Too white wine glass. Graceful yet spirited in design, the glass has a pleasantly elongated stem and stable foot, and the rim is thin and comfortable. Sized to hold 16 ounces, the piece arrives in a set of four and should be washed by hand for best results. --Emily Bedard

Customer Review: Love these glasses

I love these glasses and use them every day. The patterns are different, so if you have some folks over for wine, it is easy to keep track of the glasses. They are a good size at 16 oz. I bought two sets, wished I would have bought three. Looking to get the other glasses in this set like the flutes. Would buy again.

Customer Review: unique wine glasses

I LOVE these Mikasa wine glasses. We received a set of 4 for our wedding and I instantly loved them. Each one has a different design, which is great at a party and you set your glass down. If you remember the pattern on your glass you'll always be able to know which wine glass was yours! I broke one of ours not too long ago so I was so pleased to find these Cheers etched wine glasses on Amazon (after searching the web extensively for them), and immediately bought another set. Our guests always comment on how pretty and unique they are.



Cheers!
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Push the soft, comfortable lever down and the bottle is sealed for short-term storage. Lift the lever up and the seal is opened for drip-free pouring. Combining function and elegance, the sleek, brushed stainless steel Stopper/Pourer Combination reduces drips and spills while pouring and allows for even and consistent wine flow. Wine is also aerated while it is poured out of the wide spout. Flexible ribs make the Stopper/Pourer Combination easy to remove from and place in to the bottle. The Stopper/Pourer Combination accommodates all size wine bottles and is dishwasher safe. Durable, stainless steel construction Dishwasher safe Not recommended for use in microwave

Customer Review: OXO wine stopper/pourer combo

Nice idea, poor product. I have had 5 of these fail on me with only a few months use. The lever becomes very stiff. Eventually the linkage inside the stopper breaks rendering the lever useless. OXO customer service sent immediate replacements however all the replacements have failed as well. It's time for OXO to go back to the drawing board on this one!

Customer Review: Good idea, poor execution

Generally speaking, I have found OXO products to be superb. This item does not achieve that standard. It is handsomely designed, but it doesn't hold up under even semi-regular use. The little ballbearing dealie inside quits rotating, the lever stiffens up, and the whole thing becomes only useful as a cork.

I have had two, both have now been returned as defective, and my S.O. just got off the phone with OXO informing them that this object is unsatisfactory.

I hope they will get it right with a redesign.
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