Studies have shown that drinking red wine can have surprising health benefits for the circulatory system. Some of the compounds found in red wine, known as procyanidins, could protect blood vessels in the body from damage after only one or two glasses were consumed. Cabernet Sauvignon has the highest flavonoid content, with Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir varieties also containing a high concentration of flavonoids.

Red wine contains antioxidant compounds called polyphenols which are dissolved from the skins and seeds of grapes by the alcohol produced during fermentation. Resveratrol, found in red wine only, is thought to help fight cancer and diabetes and be an immensely effective anti-aging nutrient, as well as inhibit growth of many types of cancer cells in culture.

The skins of grapes are removed when making white wine, so the health benefits are not as great as red varieties. Studies have indicated that resveratrol in the red wine also regularly consumed might protect against certain types of heart disease. Red Wine protects the heart mainly because it acts on blood platelets to prevent clotting.

Flavonoids have beneficial effects in the human diet as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals which damage body tissue and lead to heart disease, strokes and cancer.

Resveratrol is a substance found in grape skins that has been getting a lot of attention lately. It has fueled research into the health benefits of the heart from alcohol. Resveratrol has been shown to reduce tumor incidence by affecting one or more stages of cancer development. Women! Research found that drinking a small glass of wine per day increases the risk of cancer.

Health professionals have recognized the nutritional and the health benefits of red wine for centuries. In 450 B.C. the Greeks recommended red wine to purge fever, as diuretics, disinfect wounds, or nutritional supplements. Green tea is also used as a diuretic. Because of the health benefits of red wine, it is one of the most written about alcoholic beverages in all times.

Light-to-moderate consumption of alcohol may reduce the risks of total stroke and ischemic stroke. According to the American Heart Association, nobody should drink wine, or any other type of alcohol. However, the AMA does suggest that if you already consume alcohol that you should do so in moderation. For those that don’t drink you should look into the benefits of dark chocolate.

Health benefits of red wine are attributed to the antioxidants that help with allergens, carcinogens and viruses. It aids digestion and enhances the production of the good cholesterol, HDL. Studies have shown that resveratrol gets rid of dangerous estrogen metabolites as well. Research also shows that people who drink red wine, like Pinot Noir and Merlot, have fewer cancerous skin lesions.