You had me at Pinot.

 

We have all heard at one point in our lives that red wine is good for you, but how? I was very interested on this topic especially after realizing I actually enjoy the taste of red wine, so I found some scientific research on the matter. Some studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption can help prevent heart disease (AHA). Of course there are other ways to promote heart health besides alcohol consumption, such as having a healthy diet, exercising, and maintaining a normal blood pressure (<120/<80 mm Hg). All alcohol forms can have the effect of raising HDL cholesterol in the blood (also known as the "good" cholesterol) and lowering LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol). By lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, there is a decreased risk of plaque build up in the arteries that can cause atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. It is best to maintain a healthy cholesterol to prevent these heart conditions. The American Heart Association defines a healthy cholesterol as <200 mg/dL, which is the level that puts you at a lower risk for coronary heart disease. Anything above 200 mg/dL, will actually increase your risk.

Red wine is the glorified alcohol based on its antioxidants, but it is difficult to determine if red wine has any beneficial effect that is different from other forms of alcohol (AHA). However, polyphenols in red wine (especially Pinot Noir) do have protective effects. Red wine contains resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound found in the skin of red grapes. Polyphenols are considered to be anti-carcinogenic, providing protection in the body against cancerous cells. In large quantities, resveratrol appears to lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide levels. However, the latest research on smaller quantities found in 1-2 glasses of red wine is still not yet clear (Krause).

More research is needed to completely understand how the benefits of alcohol and red wine work. If you do enjoy alcohol, my suggestion would be to keep it to red wine considering the protective effects of resveratrol. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for alcohol is 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men. One drink is defined as 12 oz of regular beer, 5 oz of wine or 1.5 oz of 80-proof distilled liquor (40% alcohol). 

Alcohol does supplies calories, but few essential nutrients. Excessive alcohol consumption makes it difficult to ingest sufficient nutrients without exceeding calorie needs. Also, there are many health problems associated with chronic over-consumption of alcohol. Be mindful of how much alcohol is actually being consumed and only consume alcohol if you are cleared medically and are of proper age (obviously). Drink a glass of red wine with a healthful meal and maybe you won't feel so guilty (it usually works for me). CHEERS!

Sources:

American Dietetic Association. ADA Evidence Analysis Library^®. Available at: www.adaevidencelibrary.org. 

American Heart Association. Alcohol, wine and cardiovascular disease. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4422. 
Mahan, L K, Sylvia Escott-Stump, and Janice L. Raymond. Krause's Food & the Nutrition Care Process. St. Louis (Miss.: Saunders, 2012. Print.