Myth busted about Red Wine
Myth: Red wine is an antioxidant.
Fact: It’s true that red wine contains antioxidants, which can improve cholesterol and help you maintain a healthy blood pressure.You want to make sure, however, you’re not drinking so much red wine that the alcohol counters the protective benefits. If you’re interested in getting more antioxidants in your diet, talk to a dietitian or your doctor about antioxidant-rich foods and supplements.
Myth: Red wine lowers blood pressure.
Fact: There’s no definitive evidence that red wine lowers blood pressure. In fact, alcohol actually raises blood pressure. But since alcohol tends to relax people, it may lower your blood pressure slightly — although only for a short period of time, and it won’t help with chronic hypertension. Talk to your doctor about other ways you can lower your blood pressure, like exercising moderately and eating a diet rich in healthy fats.
Myth: Red wine is good for everyone.
Fact: Women and men experience alcohol differently, so they should consume it differently. One glass of wine per day (about 5 ounces) is plenty for women, while men shouldn’t drink more than two glasses (about 10 ounces) a day.We still don’t really know if red wine is good for heart health. Until there’s more information available, it’s best to drink moderately and talk to your doctor. For information about other heart-healthy practices, contact the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.
Myth: Red wine lowers cholesterol.
Fact: Keeping your cholesterol within a healthy range is important if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease.According to a study published in Clinical Nutrition, red wine increases good (HDL) cholesterol. On the flip side, nonalcoholic red wine decreases levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol. LDL levels stayed the same in people who drank alcoholic red wine, so keep this in mind when you order a glass with dinner.
Myth: Red wine reduces your risk for heart attack.
Fact: Red wine and other types of alcohol can immediately increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. This risk, however, decreases over time. As long as you’re consuming a moderate amount of alcohol (one drink per day for women and two drinks for men), red wine will likely not harm your heart in the long run.On the other hand, consuming heavy amounts of alcohol, including red wine, can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Consider reducing the amount of alcohol you drink to give your body a break.
Myth:red wine drinkers may have the best sex
Fact: The study also found that women who drank red wine had a higher sex drive than those who drank another type of alcohol. Several studies have found that of all the alcoholic beverages you can have before sex, red wine is the only one that can actually enhance and improve your sexual experience.