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Red for your health!

Looking for a good drink for those lazy summer evenings? A glass (or two) of red wine can provide more than relaxation and enjoyment. According to several articles, including one by Yale-New Haven Hospital, drinking dry, red wine in moderation can help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.

Scientists believe antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by reducing production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also know as the “bad” cholesterol), boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and by reducing blood clotting.

Researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant resveratrol, which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving. Men will benefit from consuming one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per day to reap the maximum benefits.

What type of wine has the most benefit? Researchers at the University of California, at Davis tested a variety of wines to find out which types had the most flavonoids. Their results showed the dryer the wine, the more flavonoids. Dry reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir came out on top.

There are a variety stores that carry wine in and around Morgantown, including The Wine Rack on Chestnut Ridge Road, Slight Indulgence on High Street/Collins Ferry, Giant Eagle at University Town Centre and Forks of Cheat Winery.