Okay so as most of my close friends now, I am a wine-o. Big time. I am also a Jager-o (mmmm, what a delicious sounding breakfast cereal), but that's not as healthy. Yes, one of these -o's is healthy. I will now legitimize my averaging three bottles of wine a week.* It's also some kind of heart awareness month I've heard. And wine helps the heart (in at least two different ways that I can think of), so YAY.
Here are some reasons to stock up on that boxed shit from CVS you like so much.
- Antioxidants in red wine called flavanoids have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increasing the levels of good cholestorerol.
- According to the researchers at the University of California, certain varietals have more concentrations of flavanoids that others. Of the most common red varietals, Cabernet Savignon has the most flavonoids, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir, then Merlot and red Zinfandel.
- Moderate consumption of red wine has been known to raise heart healthy omega-3 levels, and these fatty acids play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Resveratrol, another antioxidant found in red wine, could keep you slim.
- Polyphenols, also found in tea, nuts, berries and cocoa, may decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
* Just found out you're supposed to have no more than a single glass a day. No legitimizing for me. Sigh.