Wine – Is it as good as it tastes?

Wine is as old as life, well, civilized life at least. The result of fermented grapes harvested after a year’s hard work, the product is as rich in culture as it is in health benefits. For thousands of year’s humans have enjoyed glasses filled with deep, earthy, alcoholic juices that have ranged from light colored white wines to almost black reds. And while our ancestors indulged in the pleasure for different reasons, one reason has caught on as the best: A glass or two of wine a day is good for your health.

Wine is rich in antioxidants that can help reduce heart disease in three ways.

The first is by reducing the production of bad cholesterol called Low Density Lipoproteins or LDL, which inhibit arterial flow, and causes slower movement of blood.

Secondly wine helps with good cholesterol, HDL – High Density Lipoprotein (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_density_lipoprotein), which is believed to carry cholesterol away from the heart to the liver where it can be processed.

Thirdly wine helps by reducing blood clotting. It benefits your lipid profile if consumed with a meal, and it doesn’t hurt the ambiance of a nice evening with your lover.

It is important to remember, however, that too much indulgence is never good for you. It is recommended that men consume one to two glasses each day, while women have only one. And while it is tempting to stock up the daily quota so you can splurge on the weekend, it is doesn’t work that way. A little self-discipline is needed– keep the amount you drink each day moderate though, and you might live long enough to get through all the glasses you have ever wanted.