In moderation, red wine is thought to be beneficial for cardiac health, increasing levels of good cholesterol in the body and helping prevent heart attacks. But what is it about red wine that makes it healthier than other types of alcohol? How much do you need to consume to reap its rewards? Here are a few facts to consider about red wine and heart health.

What’s the Link Between Red Wine & Heart Health? 

Research suggests that it's the antioxidants in red wine — called polyphenols — that are the link to cardiac benefits. Polyphenols may protect the lining of the heart's blood vessels. One polyphenol, resveratrol, is presumed to be especially helpful. It can prevent inflammation, vascular damage, and blood clots, and it can reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the body — potentially lowering the risk of heart attack and heart disease. It's important to understand, however, that scientific conclusions about red wine and heart health are mixed, and there is no general consensus about the benefits this beverage offers.

How Much Should You Consume? 

Adults shouldn’t drink red wine as the only means of preventing cardiac issues and heart attacks. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and routine visits with your medical provider are also crucial.

Those who have struggled with alcohol dependency or have a family history of it should avoid consuming any type of alcohol. Also, many medications interact adversely with alcohol, so if you're on prescription meds, consult your doctor before starting a routine with red wine. Dosage-wise, the American Heart Association recommends one to two 4-ounce glasses of red wine per day for men and one 4-ounce glass of red wine per day for women.

If you're considering red wine for its cardiac advantages, first discuss the subject with your primary care doctor or cardiologist. The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants has been serving the Dothan, Andalusia, Ozark, and Enterprise, AL, areas for more than 25 years. They offer comprehensive cardiac care and treatment for heart attacks, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and other heart-related issues. Visit them online to learn more about their treatment methods, or call (334) 699-6396 to schedule an appointment today. For more heart-healthy tips, like them on Facebook.