Even though we are often told that red wine is loaded with antioxidants, we shouldn’t think that a glass is going to better our health.
A dietitian from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Hilary Powlesland, explained that although antioxidants may contribute to reducing heart disease, wine is not a good source for heart health.
It might not improve your physical state but an occasional drink won’t detract from your overall well-being.
‘We all love a wine or two and there’s nothing wrong with including it in a balanced diet, but you certainly shouldn’t be drinking it for the health benefits,’ she told Perth Now.
A dietitian explained that although red wine won’t better your health, an occasional drink won’t detract from your overall well being
Although red wine does contain antioxidants, you want to make sure you’re not drinking so much of it that the alcohol counters the protective benefits.
This being said, there is a lot of debate over the humble glass of the ruby liquid.
Earlier this year research was presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual conference that said moderate drinking is linked to a longer life.
They claimed that drinking about two glasses of wine or beer a day was linked to an 18 per cent drop in a person’s risk of early death.
If you’re a pasta lover you’re in luck, as Hilary Powlesland said that a bowl of your favourite pasta with an accompanying glass won’t make you suddenly stack on the kilos
‘The damage of drinking anything more than one glass of wine a day far outweighs any benefits,’ Dr Mark Menolascino wrote for Mind Body Green.
Centre for Integrative Health dietitian and nutritionist, Kate Pollard, said that people should aim to moderating the amount they drink to no more than two glasses.
Incorporating alcohol-free days is also a great idea she suggests people follow.
‘Red wine has been praised for its antioxidant properties but wine shouldn’t replace fruits or vegies to get that,’ she told Perth Now.
If you’re a pasta lover you’re in luck, as Hilary Powlesland said that a bowl of your favourite pasta with an accompanying glass won’t make you suddenly stack on the kilos.
‘Pasta, particularly the wholemeal variety, is a low-GI food and a great source of fibre, B vitamins, iron and carbohydrates,’ she said.
She explained that pasta isn’t a fatty food unless you’re adding a variety of creamy sauces or eating a large serving size.