Heart Health

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Q:  I have heard and read in the literature that drinking wine is good for you.  I don’t drink wine, so I have been drinking 100% grape juice instead.  How much grape juice/wine should a person drink a day to receive the health benefits for the heart and body?
Thank you for reading my question.
Lady Lapt

A:  This question has come up from time to time and on this most recent occasion I started thinking about the effort we make to try to prevent disease and remain healthy.

Some studies have found that a 4 ounce glass of wine a day can provide some cardiovascular benefits but the American Heart Association does not recommend it.  The A.H.A. website says, “The American Heart Association does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain these potential benefits. The AHA does recommend that to reduce your risk you should talk to your doctor about lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure, controlling your weight, getting enough physical activity and following a healthy diet.  There is no scientific proof that drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage can replace these conventional measures.”

Wine drinkers feel a little better about indulging by justifying the heart health benefits.  When it comes to grape juice, I found a study that said 3 1/3 ounces of grape juice a day can provide health benefits that are similar to red wine.  While it may make us feel better to either drink wine or grape juice for our heart health, there are many more effective ways for us to try to prevent heart disease.  Ultimately, we should all pay more attention to eating a diet low in saturated fat, eating plenty of brightly colored fruits and vegetables packed with disease fighters called antioxidants and exercising regularly. 

The AHA says, “Scientific evidence supports a diet high in food sources of antioxidants and other heart-protecting nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts instead of antioxidant supplements to reduce risk of heart disease.”

Link to more 10 On Your Side information about heart health.