Why We Love Red Wine
East meets west head to head on the benefits of wine and why we love it. Sometimes even crave it. And dare I say on occasion to excess. According to the US Wine Consumer Reports, in 2016 sales in the US topped over $38 billion in just sales from US wineries.
A search for wine benefits, with at the top of the list, is the American Heart Association stating that 1-2 4 ounces a day will provide countless benefits for you and your heart. For starters wine is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants we know destroy free radicals. Free radicals are unstable and unpaired electrons looking to be stable. Antioxidants give electrons to stabilize free radicals while remaining themselves stable.
From the skin of the red grape we get resveratrol, and in many studies, including one from university of Virginia, it inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Resveratrol is also known for boosting brain power and weight loss by binding to insulin receptors. Polyphenols give blood vessels flexibility.
So wrapping up Western/ American doctors researched benefits on red wine are: Inhibit growth of cancer cells, lower cholesterol, weight loss, strengthen immunity, blood sugar levels, and boost brain power. No wonder wine is relaxing!
Now the Traditional Chinese Medicine view on the benefits of red wine. 5 element theory dates back to the Warring States period 476 BC. Red Wine relates to the Fire Element. Color: red Taste: bitter, Organ: Heart, blood vessels, Emotion: Joy and passion, Emotions as pathology: vulnerable, irritable, discouragement. Times of the heart channel are 11-1pm and the pericardium which protects the heart is 7-9pm. Consider having a glass of red wine at lunch while the heart channel is at its peak action potential.
What I love about Traditional Chinese Medicine is how it fits with Western medicine and deepens the understanding of what is going on with our body. This is just one example, and one of my favorites.