The mediterranean diet, part II: Red wine and cardiovascular disease - More facts, less fancy

The Western-type diet, rich in saturated fats and low in fish and vegetables, has been associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease due to its proinflammatory, pro-oxidative and prothrombotic properties. In contrast, a Mediterranean-type diet (less meat, more fish, nuts, fruits, olive oil and red wine) has been linked to a better health status, including a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Wine contains many oxidizable phenolic compounds, and in red wine the concentration of these antioxidants is especially high. These compounds may exert anti-inflammatory activity and confer favorable effects on lipoprotein oxidation, platelet aggregation and vasodilatation. Cardioprotective effects have been demonstrated in numerous experimental and human studies, but controversy still exists on the type of alcohol-containing drink and on the specific role of alcohol and wine antioxidants. This review examines the scientific evidence underlying the prevention of cardiovascular disease by red wine. Copyright