Red vs. White

[brisdad]

I hope this is not a stupid question, but here it goes anyway, I hear so much about the health benefits of RED wines, do WHITE wines give the same benefits?

[Innkeeper]

Red is good for your heart. White prevents cancer.

[Bucko]

Any alcohol has cardioprotective effects by raising the HDL cholesterol component.

[wondersofwine]

There are trade offs, at least for women. One study says even moderate amounts of wine increase the risk of breast cancer. But other studies show good for the heart. I'll take my risks with moderate wine drinking--it's also good for the disposition!
In fact, I'm going to an exciting wine tasting in Raleigh this evening. Will report back tomorrow or next week.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 11-21-2002).]

[brisdad]

Thanks for the info everyone.

But I also read in www.WebMD.com that alcohol generates free radicals -- unstable oxygen molecules that can actually cause damage to blood vessel tissues -- dampening any of the benefits that red wine's antioxidants may offer.

This sort of confuses me because on one hand I hear about wines antioxidizing benefits, but on the other I hear that the alcohol content in wines generate free radicals. Does this mean that the less alcohol content in wine the better it is for my health? Should I worry about wines alcohol content?

[Thomas]

After I read and re-read all the confusing information about food and health (and wine and health) I come to this conclusion: no study, and no person, has a handle on the truth.

My recommendation is to get an annual physical check-up. Find out where or if you have any potential health problems--work to correct them, and stop worrying about whether or not alcohol is going to keep you alive forever.

Hedonism has its merits too--it makes for a happier person, which definitely effects one's health. I consider the pleasure of wine a hedonistic one, as well as a potential healthy one.