Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?Red wine and something in red wine called resveratrol might be heart healthy. Find out the facts, and hype, regarding red wine and its impact on your heart.By Mayo Clinic Staff Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent coronary artery disease, the condition that leads to heart attacks. Any links between red wine and fewer heart attacks aren't completely understood. But part of the benefit might be that antioxidants may increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol) and protect against cholesterol buildup. While the news about red wine might sound great if you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol, especially if you have a family history of alcohol abuse. Too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body.

Still, many doctors agree that something in red wine appears to help your heart. It's possible that antioxidants, such as flavonoids or a substance called resveratrol, have heart-healthy benefits. Red wine seems to have heart-healthy benefits. But it's possible that red wine isn't any better than beer, white wine or liquor for heart health. There's still no clear evidence that red wine is better than other forms of alcohol when it comes to possible heart-healthy benefits. Antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one substance in red wine that's gotten attention. Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and prevents blood clots. Some research shows that resveratrol could be linked to a lower risk of inflammation and blood clotting, which can lead to heart disease.

But other studies found no benefits from resveratrol in preventing heart disease. More research is needed to determine if resveratrol lowers the risk of inflammation and blood clotting. Tangney CC, et al. Cardiovascular benefits and risks of moderate alcohol consumption. Accessed Sept. 3, 2016. Mukamal KJ, et al. Overview of the risks and benefits of alcohol consumption. Bonow RO, et al., eds. Nutrition and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Alcohol and heart health. Diaz-Gerevini GT, et al. Beneficial action of resveratrol: How and why? Sahebkar A, et al. Lack of efficacy of resveratrol on C-reactive protein and selected cardiovascular risk factors — Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Cardiology. Novelle MG, et al. Resveratrol supplementation: Where are we now and where should we go?

Research suggests that moderate consumption of alcohol -- specifically red wine -- may improve your cardiovascular health. best wine bar musicAntioxidants found in the seeds and skins of red grapes are believed to lower the risk of heart disease by reducing "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increasing "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lessening blood-clotting factors. lg smart wine h410 amazonWith this in mind, you may never see happy hour the same way again -- but moderation is key. best wine bars in dfwOne to two servings per day for men and one serving per day for women maximizes benefits.the best red wine from france

Drier red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, offer higher antioxidant levels than sweeter counterparts. great wine bars in minneapolisA study published in the September 2007 issue of "Nutrition Journal" found that participants of any age who drank 400 milliliters of Cabernet Sauvignon daily for two weeks had increased blood levels of antioxidants and reduced markers of oxidative stress.tn passes wine in grocery stores University of California researchers have studied wines to determine which types have the highest active levels of antioxidants. Results indicate that Cabernet Sauvignon had the highest level, with Petite Syrah -- also spelled Sirah -- and Pinot Noir close behind. Petite Sirah is a completely different grape than varietal Shiraz and creates a wine of richer color and texture, with a peppery profile in comparison.

Merlots are a good source of catechins and resveratrol -- both are antioxidants -- which can help to improve "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Pair a red wine such as Merlot with dark chocolate for a double dose of antioxidants on Valentine's Day, because dark chocolate is also a rich source, suggests Susan Ofria, a registered dietitian at Loyola University Health System's Melrose Park Campus. White wines are produced from the pulp of grapes, with the skins discarded. As a result, white wines do not contain the high levels of antioxidants found in reds. However, a study published in the September 2008 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition" found that participants who consumed either red or white wines in moderation had increased blood plasma levels of resveratrol. Also, both white and red wine drinkers showed increases in nitric oxide production -- a marker of cardiovascular health. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week

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