The research group from the University of Alberta in Canada found that resveratrol antioxidant contained in red wine affects the duration of human life like physical exercises. It is widely believed that this antioxidant is able to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer development.
The benefit of red wine is not surprising – it is a completely natural product created by nature. According to Canadian historian Rod Phillips, “every grape is a small winery – there are all the chemical elements inside and outside it that make a berry wine” (Phillips, 2014). It is now unlikely that anyone would argue that a small amount of red wine could bring some benefit to a human. For example, after drinking one glass in the morning, one recharges himself with a good mood and cheerfulness for the whole day. Essential oils and esters contained in wine would improve the tone of the nervous system and reduce blood pressure (News Breaker, 2015). Red wine contributes to the reduction of gastric and intestinal diseases as well as asthenia. Besides, it promotes faster toxins and additions output from the human body. Dry red wine might advance the plasticity of veins, too. It is also recommended for patients with diabetes because it contains a small amount of sugar and generally improves the health of diabetics.
However, in my opinion, there is the flip side of the coin. The main component of red wine is ethyl alcohol. Once in the body, alcohol breaks down into plenty of toxic substances such as acetaldehyde, a highly toxic poison that thins the protective cell membrane and penetrates it, violates metabolism getting in the DNA, causing cell changes, and resulting in the appearance of atypical cells, or tumor. Along the way, there are brain intoxication, thrombosis, and hypoxia neurons.
Nevertheless, I believe that everything is good in moderation. A daily dose of the drink should be limited. For instance, as if one was taking the drug. It goes without saying that wine of dubious origin is considered a potentially dangerous product for the health. In the case when the wine of unknown origin goes along with excessive use of it, the picture is rather disappointing.
Moreover, some people are genetically unable to resist alcohol. Drinking wine, even red and very useful, is not recommended for them at all. It is also necessary to note that drinking wine, even in small doses could have a negative impact on the health of people who are already suffering from some serious disease and taking medications reducing their current state of health. No doubt that wine cannot be used during pregnancy and lactation as the alcohol, getting into the body of the child, could cause irreversible damage to his brain and spinal cord cells. Besides, if one considers himself an implacable opponent of alcohol, the content of resveratrol could be supplemented by other sources, for example, peanuts, cranberries, or blueberries.
In conclusion, it should be stressed that red wine might be useful in a small dose and only for certain people. In case a person cares about his or her health, he or she needs to choose only real wine from trusted manufacturers as red wine could improve the health or, at least, save its current state to some extent.
References
News Breaker. (2015). Experts Say Red Wine Could Be As Beneficial As Exercising [Video file]. Web.
Phillips, R. (2014). Alcohol: A History. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina.