by Blueblades 21 Replies latest jw friends
Is it true that wine is good for the heart. If so, which kind is the best one for it, and how much is beneficial at one sitting. Anyone care to share their experiences with wine and the heart. I ask because I hear that wine is good for the heart. I have aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the valve. I am asymtomatic. Could of been born with it.
Blueblades
First off BBs, I think you should consult your cardiologist on that count. Better safe than sorry, but here is some info anyway.
What about red wine and heart disease?
Over the past several decades, many studies have been published in science journals about how drinking alcohol may be associated with reduced mortality due to heart disease in some populations. Some researchers have suggested that the benefit may be due to wine, especially red wine. Others are examining the potential benefits of components in red wine such as flavonoids (FLAV'oh-noidz) and other antioxidants (an"tih-OK'sih-dants) in reducing heart disease risk. Some of these components may be found in other foods such as grapes or red grape juice. The linkage reported in many of these studies may be due to other lifestyle factors rather than alcohol. Such factors may include increased physical activity, and a diet high in fruits and vegetables and lower in saturated fats No direct comparison trials have been done to determine the specific effect of wine or other alcohol on the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
Are there potential benefits of drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages?
Research is being done to find out what the apparent benefits of drinking wine or alcohol in some populations may be due to, including the role of antioxidants, an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol or anti-clotting properties. Clinical trials of other antioxidants such as vitamin E have not shown any cardio-protective effect. Also, even if they were protective, antioxidants can be obtained from many fruits and vegetables, including red grape juice.
The best-known effect of alcohol is a small increase in HDL cholesterol. However, regular physical activity is another effective way to raise HDL cholesterol, and niacin can be prescribed to raise it to a greater degree. Alcohol or some substances such as resveratrol (res-VAIR'ah-trol) found in alcoholic beverages may prevent platelets in the blood from sticking together. That may reduce clot formation and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. (Aspirin may help reduce blood clotting in a similar way.) How alcohol or wine affects cardiovascular risk merits further research, but right now the American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain these potential benefits. The AHA does recommend that to reduce your risk you should talk to your doctor about lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, controlling your weight, getting enough physical activity and following a healthy diet. There is no scientific proof that drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage can replace these conventional measures.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4422
Thanks Sweetstuff for that info. Going off to work now, will talk later.
Blueblades
They say red wine is the best for protecting the arteries from stenosis, the French have much lower rates of heart disease than the UK or USA though they consume as much saturated fats and cholesterol (butter, cream, foie gras) and this is suspected to be due to the high wine consumption.
A couple of glasses per day, arround 300-350 ml or half of a standard bottle which is 700 ml, should be fine.
Wine keeps me from choking the living S$#% out of my hubby and kids It helps me unwind after work and get ready to deal with the second job - hubby, kids, house, dog......
But seriously - studies have shown the benefits of red wine. I think, and if I'm wrong someone please feel free to correct me but I've heard that it also helps bring down cholesterol witch in turn lessens heart disease.
This however is not a reason to stop meds and if you are on medication you would certainly not want to mix with alcohol! But talk to your Dr. about it. And last but not least, at the risk of sounding JW'ish "moderation" is the key!
nj
is it congenital or acquired?
how is your BP?
Do you have any other medical conditions such as diabetes, etc?
What meds are you currently taking?
Many factors to be considered before giving answer on this.
And you should be careful from whom you accept medical advice, whether its magazine articles or non-professionals.
Always ask your doctor first about any course of action, or diet, that you suspect could have an effect on your heart.
Talk to your pharmacist about any drug interactions with other drugs or alcohol.
If you found that in the bible, I'd be leary. I think the bible says wine is good for the stumach.
And even a small glass tears my stumach up.
I enjoy the taste of a good Chardonnay. In fact I need to go get my second glass. Excuse me for a minute. O.K. now I'm back. Anyway a good Chardonnay is a nice way to spend an evening, among other things
Actually from what I have read, the French consume up to 10 times more butter and cheese than we do. They do though eat alot less bread. The red wine may be it and I do enjoy a nice cabernet or merlot. I make runs to Napa all the time and sometimes have bottles shipped in.
Blueblades, at the risk of exposing myself as a huge wine drinker, Let me fill you in on the best wine for your heart.
Cabernet grapes are notorious antioxidants (spelling?) If you are looking for a medium priced wine that taste marvelous, look at Fetzer.
It must be the Cabernet, a red. Any whites including chardonney, does not have the same healing properties.
Merlot, also does not have the same healing properties.
One to Three glasses a day, soothes the heart and digestive system....but it must be Cabernet wines.
Take care, and enjoy.
