ZigZagMarquis 9 #1 March 31, 2012 http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/29/5-reasons-to-toast-your-health/?intcmp=features 5 reasons to toast your health Published March 31, 2012 Kicking back with a glass of vino is a well-deserved treat at the end of a busy day. Even our founding father Benjamin Franklin agreed: "Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance," he wrote. But wine brings more than pleasure to the table. Since ancient times, physicians have proclaimed wine's health benefits, and now a slew of recent studies show it's good for your brain, heart, and more. Naturally, moderation is key. The USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends no more than one glass a day for a woman and two glasses a day for a man, and none at all for pregnant women, individuals susceptible to alcoholism, and those on medication or with medical conditions that can interact with alcohol. But if you're one of the 55 percent of Americans who likes to raise a glass now and then, here are five reasons to toast your health with the fruit of the vine. 1. Wine is good for your heart. Remember the "French Paradox"? In 1992, researchers discovered that the French had a 36 percent lower mortality rate from heart disease, despite all the croissants and foie gras. Now scientists believe the powerful antioxidants in red wine and wine's ability to boost omega-3 fatty acids are factors. In another study, wine drinkers had a 34 percent lower chance of stroke. 2. Wine keeps your brain cells healthy. Two recent studies in Denmark and Sweden showed that moderate consumption of wine helped reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. 3. Wine can protect against a host of age-related diseases. You've probably heard about that magical compound in red wine, resveratrol. Studies have shown that resveratrol can protect against diabetes, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. 4. Wine can help prevent cancer. A glass of red wine each day can cut a man's risk for prostate cancer in half, and lowers the risk of Barrett's Esophagus, the precursor to esophageal cancer, by 56 percent. Plus, resveratrol in red wine has been shown to zap pancreatic cancer cells. 5. Wine drinkers tend to eat healthier foods and have healthier lifestyles. It sounds like a stereotype – beer drinkers gorge on fried foods and chips while wine drinkers favor salads and lean protein – but studies show that wine drinkers tend to eat the most heart-healthy diets. In one survey, wine drinkers ate more olives, fruit and vegetables, poultry, olive oil, and low-fat cheese, milk, and meat, while beer drinkers chose ready-cooked meals, refined sugar, cold cuts, chips, pork, sausages, and soft drinks. Even better? Contrary to popular belief, researchers found no evidence that a glass or two of wine makes you gain weight. Wine sounds like a miracle tonic, but it's not a cure-all for every disease. The jury is still out on many of its health benefits: while drinking moderate amounts wine can help prevent some types of cancer, alcohol consumption can activate cellular changes that help some cancer cells spread, and three or more alcoholic drinks a day significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about wine and your health. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #2 March 31, 2012 Yep, wine is good for you, and chocolate too! Trouble is, I usually consume too much of both. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZagMarquis 9 #3 March 31, 2012 Quote Yep, wine is good for you, and chocolate too! Trouble is, I usually consume too much of both. You mean I shouldn't be eating Thin Mints for breakfast!!??! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #4 March 31, 2012 Too much chocolate? There is no such thing! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZagMarquis 9 #5 March 31, 2012 I've seen where they make wine mixed (infused ?) with chocolate! I'll bet mama has a cellar full of the stuff! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #6 April 1, 2012 I just made a porter beer with chocolate malt, but it's not really chocolate, just roasted to a dark shade. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #7 April 1, 2012 Quote I've seen where they make wine mixed (infused ?) with chocolate! I'll bet mama has a cellar full of the stuff! I wish! I just have a small wine storage area right now, but we're going to permit this week on a Garage/Laundry Room/Pantry. I'm hoping to be able to store a few more bottles soon. She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZigZagMarquis 9 #8 April 1, 2012 Quote I'm hoping to be able to store a few more bottles soon. http://www.winecellarinnovations.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #9 April 1, 2012 Well, there's some research out that says that consuming chocolate will alter the way your body absorbs fat and help keep you thin. Really. Not an April Fool. http://m.npr.org/news/Health/149407484"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
