BY DR. MARIE MORGAN VASQUEZ
What’s the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day? — With a glass of red wine of course!
Research has shown that the antioxidants found in the skin of red wine grapes can have beneficial health effects. Moderate amounts of red wine – one 5 ounce glass daily – can benefit heart health as it raises HDL (healthy) cholesterol, reduces LDL (harmful) cholesterol, as well as the formation of blood clots.
So which red wine to choose? Well, some red wine grapes have higher concentrations of flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Cabernet sauvignon, followed by petite syrah and pinot noir, have the highest levels of flavonoids. If you prefer white wine, the amount of antioxidants present is significantly lower and the benefit is less. Furthermore, the sweeter the wine, the fewer the antioxidants and health benefits it has.
Red wine is also low in carbohydrates, and contains magnesium and potassium; two minerals that help regulate the function of your cells and organs. One 5 ounce glass is only 120 calories.
So for all you deserving mothers out there, next time you want to raise a glass, raise a glass of red wine, and you will be doing your heart a favor!