Does red wine really help prevent atherosclerosis?
Mon, Feb 04, 2008
The Straits Times
Q I've heard that drinking wine can help to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Is this true?
A Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol and fats are deposited on the inner lining of an artery, a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the organs. This causes the blood vessel to harden and narrow and leads to a decrease in the amount of blood flowing to the heart and other vital organs in the body. A stroke, heart attack or other problems may result. Studies have reported that drinking alcohol in moderation, in particular red wine, may help prevent such health issues.
Red wine contains a natural antioxidant, flavonol, which is thought to help avoid certain oxidative processes that contribute to atherosclerosis. Flavonols are also believed to prevent platelets from clumping together to form blood clots, thus reducing the risk of blood vessel obstruction and hence the cause of a stroke or heart attack. In selected studies, increasing red wine consumption has been linked to a favourable decrease in the risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Despite the beneficial effects of red wine, one should not rely only on red wine to protect one's heart. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising frequently, quitting smoking and adopting a diet low in saturated fats and high in fruit and fibre, should also be made.
Excessive alcohol intake has also been linked to high blood pressure as well as liver diseases. According to the American Heart Association's guidelines, alcohol should preferably be consumed with meals. Men should not exceed two standard drinks per day and women should limit themselves to one. One standard drink is equivalent to two-thirds (220ml) of a regular beer can, one glass (100ml) of wine or 30ml of spirits. Individuals on long-term medication for various health conditions should be cautious about their alcohol intake, as alcohol might interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications.
There is no decisive conclusion regarding the consumption of red wine to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. What has been proven is that an ideal balance struck between diet and exercise does go a long way towards reducing the risk of heart problems.
