The health benefits
of a moderate consumption of red wine have been well documented. A daily glass
of red wine for women and one to two glasses for men reduces the risk of
cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and degenerative diseases such as
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In addition, a daily glass or two of red wine
reduces stress and has been proven to reduce mortality.
A chemical reaction
to red wine accounts for the health benefits. Antioxidants in wine reduce
inflammation and inhibit cholesterol buildup in the walls of arteries.
Antioxidants also protect cells by reducing the damage of the body’s free
radicals.
A new study has
found that white wine has health benefits similar to those of red wine. This
information is good news for those of us (including me) who cannot drink red
wine without triggering headaches (including migraines) or asthma attacks.
In the past, sulfites
have been blamed for these reactions. But today’s research suggests that the
histamine in red wine may be the culprit. Red wine is made from the entire
crushed grape, including the skin, which contains histamine. In contrast, white
wine is made using only the pulp of the grape. Consequently, red wine contains
20 to 200 times more histamine than white wine does. The concentrated histamine
found in red wine can trigger a headache or asthma attack in sensitive
individuals.
Dipak Das, a
molecular biologist at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, writes
in the October 13, 2008, edition of the New Scientist journal (“Break Out the
Bubbly: White Wine May Be Good for You”) that in terms of health benefits,
"The flesh of the grape can do the same job as the skin."
Supporting Dr. Das’s
claim is a second report from Dr. Philip Norrie, an Australian family physician
and winemaker. Dr. Norrie cites seven researchers who assert that there are no
significant differences in health benefits between red and white wine. Dr.
Norrie advises us not to be distracted by whether one or the other is better
for our health but rather to focus our attention on moderation.
Those of us who have
suffered a headache or asthma attack after imbibing a glass of red wine will be
relieved to know that we can enjoy the same health benefits with a glass of
white wine. Join me in toasting the good news!
"Religions change; beer and wine remain." Hervey Allen
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