Alcohol and Heart Disease- The Resveretrol Link

Health Directory - Basic Nutrition Center

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The link between alcohol and heart disease is both positive and negative, with the protective effects of resveretrol, an antioxidant in wine, on the one hand and the triglyceride and blood pressure raising effects on the other. Alcohol consumed in moderation may help reduce heart disease risk and the incidence of cardiovascular events. This link was first explained using what is known as the “French Paradox”. The French diet is considered to be very high in fat, especially saturated fat, yet the death rate from coronary heart disease (CHD) remains relatively low. Researchers think it may have something to do with the high intakes of alcohol, fruit and vegetables in the French diet. The main beverage of choice in France, wine, also seems to have its own special benefits. Red wine in particular contains a flavonoid antioxidant called resveretrol, which is thought to be responsible for much of red wines benefits. A review study published in Endocrine, Metabolic and Immune Disorders June 2008 shows that moderate red wine consumption helps prevent metabolic syndrome and its related compilations, which include hypertension and elevated cholesterol. The review explains examples the role of resveretrol in mimicking calorie restriction and preventing the deleterious effects of excess food intake on insulin resistance and metabolic derangements. Wine drinking seems to raise levels of the good cholesterol fraction called HDL.

However, using alcohol as a prescription for preventing or managing heart disease can produce ore problems than its worse. Exercise is a far more effective means of raising HDL levels than alcohol. Alcohol in excess of what is considered moderate can also raise the levels of other heart harmful fats in the blood, called triglycerides. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa warns against even moderate alcohol consumption in people with already raised triglycerides, as even small amounts of drink can cause big changes in the levels of these harmful fats. Heavy drinking can also lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, stroke and weight gain, which further impact on heart disease risk.

The link between alcohol and heart disease risk certainly warrants more research. For now, the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA does not advise that you start drinking wine or alcohol to obtain these potential benefits. To reduce your risk, the HSFSA recommends that you take steps to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, control your weight, do enough physical exercise and follow a healthy diet.  If you do enjoy alcohol – drink it in moderation.