The so-called French paradox, which applies not only to the French but also to Italians, Greeks, and inhabitants of countries where good wine is regularly consumed.
It lies in the fact that despite consuming foods high in fats and proteins (and lack of exercise), these countries record the lowest mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
Scientists studying this phenomenon note that:
• to have a positive health effect, two principles of wine drinking must be followed: regularity and moderation,
• wine contains dozens of flavonoids, their amount and composition mainly determined by the grape variety and geographical location, with soil composition being an important parameter from which the vine draws minerals,
• resveratrol is among the best known; in medical experiments where resveratrol showed almost miraculous healing effects, quantities were used that cannot be reached by normal wine drinking. However, in wine, resveratrol acts in combination with many other substances that support its beneficial health effects,
• wine contains antioxidants that help reduce the formation of oxidized lipoprotein, considered the main cause of arteriosclerosis and thrombosis,
• wine lowers LDL (so-called bad) cholesterol, which harms vessels, and increases the proportion of needed HDL (so-called good) cholesterol, which protects vessels,
• tannins in wine support digestion, have a beneficial effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, and have antibacterial effects,
• organic acids in wine help digest proteins in food and facilitate the digestion of fats and other water-insoluble substances,
• antioxidants in wine, together with alcohol, have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and increase blood flow to the brain. They also increase serotonin levels, contributing to a feeling of well-being and good mood,
• wine not only supports immune system functions but especially red wine destroys several types of bacteria causing digestive tract infections,
• all these and many other positive effects of wine apply with moderate and regular consumption.
Wine contains alcohol, which no one doubts that excessive consumption is harmful. At the same time, alcohol is a highly addictive substance. At a certain amount, the harmful effects of alcohol in wine outweigh its positive properties. When can we still talk about moderate wine consumption? Scientists do not fully agree. Healthy amounts depend on body weight, age, health status, and current physical and mental condition. It is recommended to limit wine intake to 1 to 1.5 deciliters daily for women and 2 to 3 deciliters daily for men.
