Background
Wine drinking is an old Egyptian practice dating back to more than 2200 years when it was used as medicine for various ailments. According to Barbara Gardner (2008) some of the most ancient uses of red wine include pain relieving during birth and treating bites and wounds.
However, the spread of Christianity and the development of breweries and distilleries discouraged people from using wine as medicine. The presence of alcoholic effects of wine made this possible. Since then not many people believe that red wine is a healthy and refreshing drink. The last century saw many nations doubt the medicinal value of wine after the Temperance Movement started spreading the ills of alcoholic drinks. This research paper is aimed at discussing the effects of red wine on health.
Advantages of Moderate Consumption
There is no standard measure of a moderate amount of alcohol a person needs to take. However, several factors determine the amount of alcohol that individuals can take. In her book Dakota Stevens (2010) notes that the influence of red wine of a person depends on a variety of factors; in particular such aspects like age, sex, experience, genetics and body weight determine an individual’s moderate consumption rate.
There is a significant difference between when individuals drink alcohol while taking other food substances and when one is drinking alcohol without any food supplement. According to Dakota Stevens (2010) food substances reduce absorption rate of alcohol. In addition, children have a lower consumption rate compared to adults. Research has established that men have higher body water mass compared to women.
This explains why women are quickly intoxicated compared to men. However, most medical researchers assume that taking two glasses of wine a day is moderate drinking. The most abundant chemical substances in red wine are polyphenols and resveratrol. These substances protect body cells against damages caused by pathogens. This is one of the advantages of drinking red wine.
Importance of Good Health
With improved healthcare, the chances of patients recovering whenever they visit a medical facility are increased. In addition, medical accidents which have led to the loss of lives in some health facilities have been avoided, making healthcare safe for everybody. Besides increasing the confidence of people in healthcare facilities, a safe healthcare system ensures that people take minimal time to recover hence reducing the effects suffered by other economic sectors.
Moreover, quality healthcare means that effective drugs are prescribed to patients whenever they visit a health facility. Drugs with dire side effects are therefore not allowed in the market, let alone in any health facility. Consequently, patients will not have to visit doctors time and again to be treated for the side effects caused by use of generic substandard drugs. On the same note, citizens will always have high standards of health and will therefore be more productive.
Moreover, affordable medical plans that result from quality healthcare enable people to take up insurance policies. Therefore, many citizens will be able to afford high standard healthcare and conveniently pay for their hospital bills making the nation healthier.
Additionally, good medical covers by insurance firms have been proved to lead to the establishment of good healthcare facilities which are well equipped, further improving the services that people receive. Similarly, with good and affordable medical insurance which results from quality healthcare, more people are bound to be insured. As a result, the number of people who are able to access healthcare whenever need arises is increased.
It is also important to note that when quality healthcare is insisted upon by all stakeholders, research into the field of health will be enhanced. Advanced technology as well as state-of-the-art equipment which enable quick and accurate diagnosis, will result from the research.
According to Roger Corder (2007), the government will also increase its budgetary allocation to the health sector, leading to provision of exemplary services in both private and public health institutions. In addition, quality healthcare ensures that health personnel are qualified in their field.
Strict policies are put in place to guide the training of health personnel in a move that aims at eliminating half-baked professionals, who end up making acute mistakes that cause deaths or permanent disability. At the same time, regulations that are usually implemented to ensure that all qualified health professionals are registered by recognized bodies go along way in ensuring that patients receive proper treatment.
Disadvantages of Drinking Red Wine
Red wine is an alcoholic drink just like beers and spirits. However, the difference occurs in alcohol concentration. Red wine has a slightly lower alcohol concentration ranging from 4% to 25% depending on the type of wine and how it was distilled.
This is why Roger Corder (2007) warns that over-consumption of red wine leads to health complications. It is essential to drink moderate drinking habits to avoid risking consumers’ health. Excessive drinking increases cholesterol levels in the human body. This weakens heart muscles and leads to cardiovascular arrests.
It is necessary to educate people on the disadvantages of excessive drinking. Red wine has same intoxicating effects like beer and spirits. Therefore, over consumption leads to intoxication. This leads to irrational thinking and poor judgement. As a result, visibility and body balance are distorted leading to blind walking and staggering respectively.
Moreover, according to Barbara Gardner (2008) over- consumption of red wine leads to irresponsible sexual behaviour that may lead to high transmission rates of sexually transmitted infections.
Lastly, over consumption of red wine leads to loss of appetite for food. As a result, an individual exposes his body to hunger and starvation that may lead to death or other health complications.Red wine is a sweet, alcoholic drink and thus people fall victims to this temptation.
As a result, most of them end up becoming addicts and unable to control their cravings. It is essential to note that overreliance on wine leads to addiction that is similar to other drug addictions. People must learn to control their craving for wine to make use of other activities like work and studies. Thus, people should remember about these complications while drinking red wine. The task of medical workers is to inform the patients about the benefits of consuming red wine and its risks.
Importance of Red Wine
Despite the raging debate, about beliefs that wine is an alcoholic drink and thus unfit for treatment people still regard it a beneficial substance. According to Norm Ray (2006), there is enough evidence to prove that red wine is an effective remedy for various health complications.
Nevertheless, Norm Ray (2006) warns that red wine is an effective remedy for various health problems if only taken in moderation. This is one of the issues that should be kept in mind. If a person drinks two glasses of wine regularly there will be few possibilities of developing health complications. This is the most optimal intake level. Too much wine will intoxicate the body and lead to drunkenness.
Secondly, drinking red wine reduces the risks of developing heart complications. Research shows that moderate drinking of red wine increases the amount of blood cholesterol to manageable levels. This ensures blood flows through the arteries without clogging them.
However, it is highly advisable that wine drinking should be regulated since over consumption increases cholesterol. In his book Roger Corder (2007) points out that people who drink moderately on a regular basis increase their blood flow through the heart and veins. There is much oxygen pumped to the heart and other body parts. This reduces pressure and strain caused by cholesterol deposits within the blood veins and arteries. As a result, the individual reduces chances of developing blood pressure and stroke.
Atherosclerosis is a common condition that affects old and obese people. This condition occurs as a result of over accumulation of fatty substances in the blood arteries. Therefore, the arteries thicken and become stiff (John 2007). This hinders blood circulation to and from various parts of the body.
As a result, the victim suffers constant suffocation as a less blood is supplied to various parts. Consequently, the victim has high chances of developing blood pressure since the arteries are extremely thin and unable to allow passage of enough blood. However, moderate drinking of red wine ensures the arteries are freed off these fatty substances and thus supply blood efficiently.
In his book Integrative Cardiology John Vogel (2007) argues that red wine has substances that break down these fatty substances and thus they cannot be deposited on the artery walls. They come together and form lumps that allow blood circulation to various body parts.
This is why people who drink red wine and smoke have fewer chances of developing this condition compared to those who smoke but do not drink red wine. Therefore, drinking red wine increases the efficiency of blood circulation by cleaning blood arteries. This is one of the benefits that red wine can bring to a person.
There is enough evidence that drinking red wine reduces the risk of developing obesity. When a person drinks, and eats junk food at the same time the rate of food absorption in the small intestines is reduced. The substances in red wine ensure food is slowly absorbed by the body; therefore, reducing the risk of becoming obese. In spite of the amount of food eaten by people drinking red wine will ensure they maintain their body weights.
There are considerable illustrations that prove this point. Most party lovers may never become obese if they include red wine in all their parties. This explains the presence of red wine in may parties regardless of the amount of healthy or unhealthy food the revelers consume. Therefore, drinking red wine ensures people keep the desired body weight and avoid developing obesity and its complications.
Cancer is one of the modern killer diseases on earth. The number of men and women falling victims to cancer continues to rise despite various attempts to contain the menace. Modern lifestyle is largely to blame for causing various cancer infections. This is an abnormal multiplication of body cells that spread rapidly to all parts of the body except the hair, nails and teeth.
It is evident that the most common way of treating cancer is through surgical operations or chemotherapy that is extremely beyond many victims’ financial abilities. However, recent research indicates the likelihood of reducing cancer cases through consumption of red wine. In their research article Thomas Kraft et al ((2009)) note that at wine contains resveratrol and antioxidantsubstance that prohibits cell activities.
This substance controls the spread of cancer cells especially those associated with breast and lung cancer. An increase in the amount of red wine consumed increases the body’s ability to fight cancer cells and thus keeps the person safe. However, overconsumption of red wine just like any other alcoholic drink will lead to high risks of developing cancer. So, red wine can indeed decrease the risk of cancer, yet such an effect can be achieved only if a person consumes it properly.
Every person wishes to remain younger the rest of theirlives. However, this is not possible due to the high rate of cell degeneration. According to Michael Gelb (2010), this leads to an increase in the rater art which the skin shrinks and muscles drop. The sight of hanging muscles hanging from skeletal structures of human beings is a disgusting reality. However, people have sought various ways of saving their body cells against quick degeneration.
Their efforts have not yielded enough since they are accompanied by the other side effects. Lucky, red wine is the best remedy against aging due to the presence of resveratrol in grapes. According to Beth Giesler (2011) this substance acts as an antioxidant that prevents cell damage from physical or biological factors.
As a result, individuals who drink red wine regularly have lesser chances of developing aged skin compared to those who do not drink. In addition, the bone marrow is in charge of producing blood and other body cells. This is another beneficial property of red wine.
Furthermore, according to David Goldberg and George Soleas (2011) the consumption of red wine is associated with the increased life expectancy and reduced risk of ischemic stroke. Thus, statistical evidence supports the consumption of red wine. Additionally, according to the study carried out by Rabai et al (2012) the consumption of red wine improves hemorheological parameters and eventually decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Nevertheless, a group of researchers under the guidance of Roger Corder suggest that such an effect manifests itself when one speaks about red wines produced in France where certain production standards are met (Corder et al, 2006). To a great extent, this study explains the so-called French paradox which means that people living in the country are less likely to die from heart diseases at an early age. This issue should be considered by people who want to increase their consumption of red wine.
The presence of resveratrol in alcohol ensures the bone marrow continues to produce cells despite an individual’s age. However, overconsumption of alcohol leads to bone fractures that weaken the body(O’Byrne2009). There is no guarantee that a human body is capable of reconstructing after fracturing.
The bone is made of dead cells that once fractured cannot be repaired. As a result, the damage in any bone structure leads to cell degeneration and also weakens the body. In addition, drinking red wine reduces the speed at which macular cells degenerate. This allows individuals to see clearly despite their old age.
Loss of vision is a common complication associated with old age. However, though moderate red wine drinking an individual is able to maintain his vision despite his old age. Therefore, in order to realize the benefits of red wine an individual has to drink moderately.
Sleep is an essential human activity that enables the body to rest and rejuvenate from the day’s activities. However, most people suffer from amnesia and rarely fall asleep for more than two hours. Despite this condition, there is a remedy for lack of sleep courtesy of red wine. In her book, Beth Giesler (2011) refers to the scientific research indicating that red wine contains melatonin which induces sleep in individuals.
Even though, the human body has this substance they are in low concentrations. Sometimes these concentrations are too low to induce sleep. We live in a fast paced and overly competitive society, where life is economically, physically and emotionally demanding. Subsequently, cases of depression have been rising exponentially, especially in the developed world; where people are always taking anti-depressants, pain killers and sleeping pills.
The downside to taking these pills is that, people become overly dependent on them to the extent that, they cannot function normally without them. However, drinking a glass or two of wine will ensure an individual falls asleep faster than when he goes to bed without drinking. This is another advantage of drinking red wine in moderate portions.
Even though, it is argued that one of the key effects of alcohol is slowed down mental functions, there is evidence that continuous drinking of red wine inhibits the production of new brain cells. Even though, the role of wine substances in slowing the development of dementia is not well established there are higher possibilities that moderate wine drinking leads to a slow rate of developing mental depressive disorders.
However, there is a contradictory effect of wine drinking on the elderly population. Paul O’Byrne (2009) refers the study carried by researchers from Wake Forest University which indicate the possibility of reducing chances of developing dementia. However, the results are different in individuals who already have the condition. Victims suffering from these conditions have high possibilities of developing reduced memory spans with continued alcohol intake.
Moreover, according to Michael Gelb (2010 ) alcohol consumption stimulates the production of acetylcholine which is a key chemical responsible for brain functioning. Regular wine drinkers have a fresh supply of this substance and thus have higher chances of eradicating brain complications like depressions, memory lapses and brain functions.
Incidentally, it is a popular culture in culture to take dinner with wine because it has been proved that it aids in digestion. However, only a small amount of wine is served with meals as medically required. Researchers have observed that even though the average American takes as much cholesterol as an average French person, the American tends to exhibit more instances of heart diseases than the French person because the French take wine with their meals which breaks the fat into more soluble units.
Scientists have also proved that wine helps in bone strengthening by making them more resistant to injuries that may be suffered accidentally. In women red wine has been known to improve the senses of the elderly compared to their non-wine-drinking counter-parts. The mitochondria are a part of a cell that releases energy for cellular activity. Red wine has been found to produce chemicals that enhance the generation of mitochondria which in turn reduces the aging process.
Therefore, red wine if taken in small prescribed amounts can reduce the aging process in human beings. Red wine also reduces their chances of developing kidney stones by 5%. Furthermore, it is widely believed that red wine helps in the production of platelets that are quite essential in the blood clotting process that tends to slow down the bleeding process which is quite vital in stopping bleeding when someone is injured.
Recommendations
Alcohol consumption is an old tradition that will never die despite efforts by various crusaders to fight the habit. Even though, there area thousands of alcoholic brands in the market their effects are similar depending on the amount consumed and an individual’s drinking habits.
However, there is enough evidence to prove the benefits of wine consumption. People despise alcohol drinkers due to the negative impacts it has on their health and community. However, if people learn responsible drinking habits there will be no complains about alcoholism. Wine drinking is as healthy as the drinker and thus should not be demonized. So, one should be able to distinguish responsible and irresponsible drinking.
People should learn to drink wine in moderation in order to achieve the benefits mentioned above. It is common knowledge that over consumption of anything is dangerousregardless of the importance of such substances. It takes self disciplineto ensure an individual is not addicted to alcoholism since it will affect his life.
The most salient aspect with regard to wine drinking is an individual’s ability to control craving for another glass of wine knowing tomorrow is another working day. If a person cannot control this desire, it would be better for him/her to refrain from drinking. This is one of the main points that can be made.
Conclusion
Wine consumption is as helpful as it is harmful for human consumption. The amount taken will determine whether the wine will be a luxury, a drug or poison to ones’ health. The outcome of this activity relies on the individual’s perceptions of the reasons for drinking wine.
Given the advantages that red wine has to the health of human beings, it should be made part of our diet. Unfortunately, many people abuse the use of wine and over consume it with the aim of intoxicating their bodies rather than using the right quantities. On the same note, it should be noted that red wine has side effects which can sometimes be fatal to ones’ health.
However, people should learn to make use of the available opportunities to promote their health rather than subject their bodies to risks. Wine consumption is beneficial to those who understand and appreciate its value. The most important aspect is the ability to follow certain rules of consumption, special attention should be paid to the dosage of red wine that a person can drink per day.
References
Corder, R. (2007).The Red Wine Diet.New York: Avery Trade.
Corder, R., Mullen, W., Khan, N., Marks, S., Wood, E., Carrier, M., & Crozier, A. (2006).
Oenology: red wine procyanidins and vascular health. Nature, 444(7119), 566 -588.
Gardner, B. (2008). Red Wine, Chocolate, and Life after 40: Ten Steps to Slow Down Aging. Charleston: BookSurgePublishing.
Gelb, M. (2010). Wine Drinking for Inspired Thinking: Uncork Your Creative Juices. New York: Running Press.
Giesler, B. (2011).Resveratrol: Unleashing the Benefits of Red Wine.New York: Healthy Living Publications.
Goldberg, D. M., & Soleas, G. J. (2011). Wine and Health: A paradigm for alcohol and antioxidants. Journal Of Medical Biochemistry, 30(2), 93-102.
Kraft, T., Parisotto, D., Schempp, C., & Efferth, T. (2009). Fighting cancer with red wine? Molecular mechanisms of resveratrol. Critical Reviews In Food Science And Nutrition, 49(9), 782-799.
O’Byrne, P. (2009). Red Wine and Health (Food and Beverage Consumption and Health). New York: Nova Science Publication.
Ray, N. (2006).Wine and Cheese Pairing Guide: Your Exciting Search for Wow! Combinations. California: Rayve Productions.
Rabai, M., Toth, A., Kenyeres, P., Mark, L., Marton, Z., Juricskay, I., & Czopf, L. (2010). In vitro hemorheological effects of red wine and alcohol-free red wine extract. Clinical Hemorheology And Microcirculation, 44(3), 227-236.
Stevens, D. (2010). Chilean Wines: An Overview, Wine Regions, Winemaking, Grapes, and Wines. New York: Webster’s Digital Services.
Vogel, J. (2007).Integrative Cardiology: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Heart. New York: McGraw-Hill.