When it comes to consuming wine (red or white), there are several different opinions regarding whether or not drinking wine is good or bad for your health. Regardless, wine is still alcohol and should be consumed responsibly. Below, you will find some facts about wine and the various damages it can create.
Heart Disease
Though the subject is still a heated battle between scientists and dietitians, the fact remains that drinking red wine in moderation does seems to defend against the onset of heart disease. However, it's important to take note of the word "moderation." As with anything in life, overindulging in wine can lead to serious health problems. For example, consuming too much red wine can lead to heart disease. Over time, the heart muscle is affected. It becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid. This is called cardiomyopathy and leads to a weakened heart muscle which loses it's ability to pump blood around your body.
Obesity
Depending on the type of wine you're consuming, you could be putting an excessive amount of sugar and calories into your body. For example, there are certain wines (especially sweet wines) which contain a few hundred calories per glass. Therefore, drinking an abundance of wine over a period of time without counterbalancing the excessive sugar and caloric intake, can cause weight gain and even obesity.
Stroke
Regardless of the type, an excessive amount of alcohol can raise the blood pressure in the body. When the blood pressure is elevated, anyone who is already at risk for stroke or heart disease becomes increasingly more vulnerable. This makes elderly are at risk as well as people with high blood pressure. Again, drinking a moderate amounts of wine (two glasses a day) may reduce the risk of having a stroke. However, any more than two glasses could have seriously negative consequences.
Drink Responsibly
Don't be fooled! When you consume wine, you are consuming alcohol. If you're going to drink, whether you choose to drink beer, liquor, or wine, it's important to always drink responsibly and to know your limits. Don’t overindulge in alcohol, even if you're drinking wine.
