An old client
and now friend of mine recently asked me a question on Facebook, is a glass of
red wine a day good for you. After my
abrupt disappointed response, she then replied that she had read so much
information which displayed scientific evidence that Red wine was good for your
heart.
Although I was
frustrated I could certainly understand her point because if you run a search
on Google for the benefits of Red wine, there are many pieces of literature
showing this evidence. With the media
also jumping on this band wagon it is easy to see how people can be misled into
thinking that Red wine is “good” for you.
So let’s look at the facts:
Over the years
scientists have carried out numerous tests and studies of red wine and the
effects on the heart. The results have
been pretty conclusive with a great majority agreeing that when you drink red
wine in moderation some of the properties in red wine help reduce bad
cholesterol, prevent blood clots and generally protect the heart.
When looking
at these studies in isolation it sounds great! But before you run off to Tesco
to stock on a year’s supply of Red wine, please continue reading.
Scientists are
not entirely sure what is in Red wine that causes these benefits however the
latest research indicates the flavanols found in plants and pips in grapes which
are released during fermentation are the likely reason why Red wine is
beneficial to the heart. There are also
many studies that are showing a compound in the skin of red grapes to also be very
beneficial to our health.
Remember, this
is in isolation of compounds found in plants/grapes so now let’s look at
alcohol and what we know as fact.
Alcohol is
responsible for approx 13,000 cases of cancer every year in the UK and on top
of that 10,000 people a year die prematurely directly from alcohol. These are just the death stats, so when you
start looking at all of the other unpleasant diseases directly related to
alcohol it doesn't make for comfortable reading.
Red wine is an
alcoholic drink which contains toxins and also stimulates toxins in the body
hence when we drink too much we become intoxicated! Toxins cause us problems! To even consider Red wine as a benefit of
health is simply ridiculous.
If you want
the benefits of Red wine without the danger of cancer and everything else that
comes with it start introducing red grapes into your diet – pretty straight
forward really!
If after
reading this blog you feel I am just a health freak attacking alcohol then you
simply have too much of an attachment to alcohol either directly or
socially. I’m not interested in telling
you what to do (unless you are a client of ours) I’m simply pointing out
reality, dispelling myths and helping you make a more informed choice.
Good luck and
until next time keep it healthy
If you would
like to speak to me with regard to personal training please email info@elitefitnessconsultants.co.uk
or you can call 0151 668 0250. If you
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