Guest blogger, Vicki L. VanArsdale is a freelance writer, certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. By adopting a healthy and active lifestyle, she has lost 100 lbs. Her mission is to motivate and inspire people through her actions and words. Get healthy from the inside, out is her motto. Learn more on Vicki’s blog.
Did you know that a glass of wine can be considered part of a healthy lifestyle? For those who live in other parts of the world, a glass of wine is common with meals. Here in the U.S., the problem is binge drinking. But having a glass of wine once in a while is just fine.
Many studies indicate that moderate amounts of red wine lowers the risk of heart disease and may raise high density lipoprotein (HDL), which is known as the “good” cholesterol. Moderate means one glass of wine per day for women and two for men. The American Heart Association says one serving of wine is four ounces, so be vigilant with your serving size. And women who have the breast cancer gene should avoid alcohol because of its potential to increase risk of the disease.
Those who follow a Mediterranean style of eating have lower incidences of heart disease. This lifestyle includes eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, fish and olive oil, exercise and drinking wine. It also emphasizes sharing meals with family and friends.
The health benefits of red wine can be attributed to resveratrol, which is found in grape skins and seeds, and flavonoids. They help increase good cholesterol and prevent blood clots and plaque from forming on artery walls.
So, if you want to include wine, red in particular, as part of your healthy lifestyle, just remember to drink it in moderation.
Salud!