Guest post by Inna Reshetniak. Blog Writer and Editor at Jooble.
Wine has been enjoyed by people for thousands of years. It is a cultural icon, a symbol of refinement, and a significant part of modern social culture, enjoyed by millions of people around the world. In addition to its cultural significance, the wine industry also contributes to a wide range of jobs that support its production and sales, from grape growers, winemakers, and cellar workers, to wine distributors and wine servers such as those working in waiter jobs in Canada.
Although wine has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and its health benefits have been celebrated by many around the world, it is important to separate the facts from the myths surrounding wine and its impact on health.
In this article, we teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to look at some of the myths and facts regarding the benefits of wine on health.
Myth 1: Red Wine Prevents Heart Disease
One of the most common myths surrounding wine is that red wine prevents heart disease. This myth is based on the observation that the French, due to their large intake of wine, have a lower incidence of heart disease despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fats. This is known as the French paradox.
It was believed that the antioxidants in red wine, particularly resveratrol, could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. However, recent studies have shown that the amount of resveratrol in wine is too low to have any significant preventative benefits.
Myth 2: All wine is low in calories
Another common myth surrounding wine is low in calories. While wine is generally lower in calories than many other alcoholic beverages, it still contains calories, a 5-ounce glass of red wine contains around 125 calories.
Myth 3: Drinking wine can cure or prevent illnesses
While moderate wine consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of certain health conditions, it cannot cure or prevent illnesses on its own.
Myth 4: Wine is Safe for Everyone
While moderate wine consumption may have health benefits for some people, it is not safe for everyone. Wine, like any alcoholic beverage, can be harmful to some individuals.
One group of people for whom wine is not safe is pregnant women. Fetal alcohol syndrome, a disorder that can result in physical and mental problems, can be caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Even moderate wine consumption during pregnancy can be harmful to the developing fetus.
Individuals with certain medical conditions should also avoid wine. For example, people with liver disease or pancreatitis should avoid all forms of alcohol.
Some medications can also interact with wine and cause harmful side effects. For example, certain antibiotics, pain medications, and anti-anxiety medications can interact with wine and cause nausea, dizziness, and other side effects.
Do not unconditionally believe everything you read
The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction’s (CCSA) new report advocates limiting alcohol consumption to two drinks or less per week, which is much lower than the internationally recognized recommendation of two to three drinks per day. Despite the CCSA’s claims that its findings are based on 6,000 scientific studies, further investigation reveals it used exclusion criteria to reduce that number to 16. According to Dan Malleck, Brock University Science Professor, the CCSA’s assertions about increased risks of drinking alcohol are exaggerated and misleading; for instance, an increase from a 0.0002% chance of dying from tuberculosis to a 0.0004% chance is likely not worth worrying about. The report’s drastic reduction in recommended alcohol consumption is irresponsible, misleading and potentially harmful.
Fact 1: Wine Contains Antioxidants
Wine, especially red wine, contains antioxidants, which can protect the body from damage caused by free radicals Free radicals are unstable molecules that have the potential to harm cells and speed up aging and disease. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the amount of antioxidants in wine is relatively low, and it is not a substitute for a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Fact 2: Moderate Wine Consumption “may” Help Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
While the French paradox may not be entirely attributed to red wine, there is some evidence to suggest that moderate wine consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that moderate wine consumption can raise the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, which helps to protect the heart.
Final thoughts
While both red and white wine can have health benefits, always remember that all wine contains alcohol, which can have negative health effects if consumed in excess. When consumed in moderation, wine can certainly be a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Description
Wine has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and its health benefits have been celebrated by many around the world. In this article, we look at some of the myths and facts regarding the benefits of wine on health.
Author Bio
Inna Reshetniak. Blog Writer and Editor at Jooble. She has been a blog writer for 10 years. In addition to writing for Jooble, she also provides coaching and copywriting services for businesses of all sizes. At university, she studied linguistics and foreign languages. In her spare time, she likes to play badminton and cycle.