Moderate Wine Consumption Prevents Blood Clotting And Raise The Good Cholesterol

Studies have shown that alcoholic drinks in general, when consumed in moderation, help to thin the blood and prevent clotting and also raise the HDL (or “good”) fraction of cholesterol, which helps protect the heart and blood vessels against damage. (Metabolism, September 2008; Annals of Epidemiology 2007). Exercise is another good method for raining HDL cholesterol levels.

A 2014 report released by the Mayo Clinic looked at evidence over the past 15 years and concluded that habitual light to moderate alcohol intake is associated with decreased risks for total mortality, coronary artery disease, diabetes, heart failure, and stroke. 

Reduced Risk of Diabetes

Despite wine being made from grapes, a sugary fruit, alcohol actually lowers blood sugar rather than raising it. In addition wine, and red wine in particular. Has a relatively low glycemic index compared to other alcoholic beverages, which means it raises blood sugar more slowly. A large 2011 Harvard study of about 38,000 middle-aged men found that when those who drank moderately (around 2 drinks per day), dropped their diabetes risk by 25%.

Improved Cognition

In moderation wine might actually sharpen the mind and even prevent dementia. Results from the Nurses Health Study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2005, which looked at the health of 11,000 older women showed that moderate drinkers (those who consumed about one drink a day) lowered their risk of mental decline by as much as 20 percent, compared to non-drinkers. In addition, older women who drank moderately were found to benefit the most from moderate drinking.

The Health Dangers of Wine Drinking

Despite the protective effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system, excessive drinking has a negative impact on other CHD risk factors. Alcohol raises blood levels of a fat called triglycerides, which is often raised in people with heart disease or diabetes. High triglycerides levels are also associated with fatty liver disease, which is also made worse by alcohol consumption in general. High triglycerides have also been identified as a risk factor for heart disease. In addition, excessive drinking raises blood pressure, an independent risk factor for heart disease and strokes. People with raised triglycerides or hypertension should exercise extreme caution when choosing to drink because sometimes even moderate drinking can affect these risk factors. The 2014 Mayo Clinic study also found that any protective effects on heart disease where reversed when alcohol consumption became excessive.

See Also: Surprising Benefits of Red Wine

People who drink to excess need to be concerned about more than just their brains and their hearts. A report published by the World Cancer Research Fund on November 2007 found that alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon (especially in men) and breast. Alcohol is metabolized primarily in the liver. In small amounts the liver does a good job of detoxifying alcohol and removing it from the blood, thus preventing the alcohol from accumulating in body tissues. In large amounts, however, alcohol can damage body tissues, particularly the brain, which has been linked to dementia and cognitive impairment. With high doses of alcohol, the liver suffers, which is why alcohol is a leading cause of an irreversible liver scarring called cirrhosis. Drinking in excess also increases such dangers as alcoholism, suicide and accidents.