Is Red Wine a Good Medicine?

Abstract

Introduction: Various studies have highlighted the health benefits of alcohol, most especially red wine with respect to its antioxidant, fibrinolytic and vasodilator effects. The health benefits of alcohol spans beyond its cardioprotective characteristic to include its neuroprotective, immune modulatory, antiobesity and antidiabetic characteristic. Although most studies on alcohol and health have been in vitro, there are evidences from clinical studies in human beings of health benefits particular from wed wine derived polyphenols. However, there are far more evidences in terms of health hazards as a result of excessive alcohol intake (> 3 units/day). The risk of injury is undoubtedly high as a result of the characteristic binge use of alcohol in this environment. Method: The methodology employed in this article was by review of literatures. Results: This article has highlighted that both in-vitro and in-vivo studies have indicated that moderate amount of alcohol most especially in the form of red wine has certain pharmacological properties that may be of health benefit across various medical conditions. However, there are a number of vegetables and fruits that also contain polyphenols that are believed to offer this health benefit. Conclusion: In conclusion, in considering the relative health benefits of red wine, the characteristic pattern of binge use of alcohol particularly in this environment poses a caution on those who desire a change of beverage
type with preference for red wine. Binge use of alcohol is a high risk factor for injuries and physical health problems.

Key Words: Red wine, Good Medicine?