Exploring the health benefits of wine

The health benefits of alcoholic beverages and particularly wines are discussed. The consumption of moderate amounts of red wine may protect against cardiovascular disease, loss of bone density and dementia. Excessive alcohol consumption is clearly detrimental to health; drinking small to moderate amounts of alcohol has been shown to have a number of health benefits, most notably improving coronary artery disease. Beer was also protective at moderate consumption levels and this has been demonstrated in several other studies. Red wine is high in phenolic compounds, which are natural antioxidants. Moderate alcohol consumption has also been associated with increased bone mineral density, which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The light to moderate consumption of alcohol is clearly associated with cardiovascular and related health benefits but may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer in women.