Wine and Wellness. Two words we are happy to see hand in hand. When a new year arrives, many people begin a health and wellness plan that includes healthy food and exercise. Evaluating and changing food and beverage choices is part of the process. Well, one change you don’t need to make is removing wine from your plan. In fact, studies have shown that drinking red wine, in moderation, can lead to a healthier lifestyle. So have a splendid glass of wine on the path to a healthier you. You can always go to the gym tomorrow.
The key to the health benefits to red wine is moderate consumption. There are many factors that can help you determine what is moderate for you. Weight, gender and muscle mass are among them. So depending on the person, various studies have shown that 1-4 glasses day would be beneficial. Also, you have to keep the size of the glass in mind.
When dining out the dilemma on whether you should pair your meal with red or white will arise. If you’re looking for the health benefits you’ll have to stick to the red. Why is red healthier than white? It has to do with the grapes’ skin and the process of making the wine. The grapes’ skin contains resveratrol which is an estrogen-related compound. A recent study found that resveratrol can help offset the development of Alzheimer’s disease in light to moderate wine drinkers. The grapes’ skin and seeds contain polyphenals which is an antioxidant which protect cells from free radicals.
Our palettes decide which wine we prefer, but apparently our hearts love wine too. According to the American Heart Association, many studies have been published in science journals about how drinking red wine may be associated with reduced mortality due to heart disease in some populations. Some researchers suggested the the benefits of the components in red wine, flavonoids and other antioxidants in reducing heart disease risk. There are lifestyle factors that also play into the benefits including the importance of physical activity, weight management and adhering to a healthy diet.
According to a Finnish study, conducted over a 29-year period on 2,468 men and published in the Journals of Gerontology, 2007, wine drinkers have 34% lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers. Other studies conducted over time have shown that additional benefits include reduce risk of heart-attack, lower risk of heart disease, reduction of Type 2 Diabetes, lower risk of strokes and cuts the risk of cancer in both men and women. Of course the key again is moderation.
Just like the North Fork, at Bistro 72 there’s never a shortage of wine whether red, white or sparkling we have plenty of choices you’ll love. If you’re looking to get ahead on your healthy lifestyle plan, we have a selection of reds to choose from including Suhru Wines Shiraz, Wolffer Estate Vineyard Fatalis Fatum 2012, Bridge Lane Red Blend, Raphael Cabernet Franc and Osprey’s Dominion Reserve Merlot to name a few.
So start the new year with flavonoids and antioxidants! Raise your glass and cheers to red, red wine!
For reservations at Bistro 72, please call (631) 369-3325.
To see our full wine list, please click here.