A recent research report in a magazine states that a survey by researchers from the UK's Medical Research Council found that non-smokers who drink moderately in moderation, exercise regularly, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables live an average of 14 years longer than those who do not.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol have always been one of the healthy lifestyles advocated by people. A large number of studies have confirmed that drinking an appropriate amount of wine daily (commonly known as "red wine") is beneficial to human health, especially in preventing heart disease, known as the "life killer".
Dr. Pan, an associate professor at the China Research Center for Food Science, Grapes and Wine, explained that human obesity, vascular blockage, and decreased organ function are all caused by excessive intake of acidic substances. It is very necessary for human health to maintain the body in a slightly alkaline state. Wine is one of the few alkaline beverages among alcoholic beverages, and drinking an appropriate amount of wine when consuming acidic foods such as fish and meat is very helpful to neutralize the body's pH balance.
The main culprits causing cardiovascular diseases are high levels of cholesterol and lipids in the blood. The high content of polyphenols in wine - "resveratrol" - can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and lipids in the blood, thereby reducing atherosclerosis and heart disease. In addition, it also contains super antioxidants that can eliminate free radicals produced in the body, protect cells and organs from oxidation, and restore the skin's whiteness and luster, so wine is known as "milk for the elderly".
The country that benefits most from drinking wine is France. The French drink wine for no profound reason, just as the Chinese drink tea. A survey shows that among French middle-aged men, 95 people die from heart disease every year per 100,000, while in the United States, there are as many as 256. The French have the highest wine consumption in the world. Heavy drinking and high-calorie foods have not increased the French's chances of suffering from heart disease, a phenomenon known as the "French Paradox".
Dr. Pan said that the alcohol content of wine is generally 12°~16°, and it is rich in vitamins and contains trace elements such as manganese, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium. But wine is alcohol after all. As the saying goes, "water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it." Although the alcohol content is not as high as that of strong spirits, long-term excessive drinking or alcoholism can also cause excessive alcohol intake in the human body. When the liver is overwhelmed, the toxins that cannot be excreted will accumulate over time, causing the function of other organs to decline, and even leading to cirrhosis.
Therefore, drinking wine must be moderate. Generally speaking, it is appropriate for middle-aged men to drink 100~150 ml (about 2~3 liang) per day on average, and women can reduce the amount appropriately. In addition, it should be avoided on an empty stomach, and it is better to drink with meals. This can increase appetite, aid digestion, and reduce alcohol absorption; and the absorption speed will slow down, which is conducive to the full play of the wine's active oxygen elimination function.