Raise a glass of red wine to heart health

An apple, sure, but can a glass of red wine a day also keep the doctor away? Red wine is touted as heart healthy, so we went to local experts to check it out.

Here's what Janet Anders, wellness dietitian at Fitness Plus, and Raina Childers, nutritional services coordinator at HealthPoint Fitness, had to say:

WHAT MAKES RED WINE HEART HEALTHY?

Anders: It is thought that the protective benefit may raise your protective cholesterol (HDL) levels, assisting in reducing blood clots and helping maintain a healthier blood pressure.

Childers: A glass of red wine contains the antioxidants resveratrol and catechins. These compounds have been shown to have a positive effect on heart health. The alcohol itself can have a mild blood thinning benefit as well.

HOW MUCH WINE SHOULD WE CONSUME FOR HEALTH BENEFITS?

Anders: If you drink red wine, there may be some potential benefits if you do so in moderation. Moderation means a 4-ounce glass of wine for women and just double that amount for a male. ... The current recommendations from leading health organizations, like the American Heart Association, say that if you drink red wine do it in moderation, but it's not necessary to start drinking alcohol if you currently refrain.

Childers: Moderation is considered one drink per day for women (not to exceed seven drinks per week) and two drinks per day for men (not to exceed 14 drinks per week). There have not been shown any significant risks for these moderate amounts.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS OF CONSUMING WINE?

Anders: If alcohol is not done in moderation it can increase calories and therefore body weight. It can also increase triglycerides and can drop blood sugars. Diabetics should take extra caution if consuming alcohol.

Childers: It should be mentioned that any alcohol consumption could have an impact on certain health conditions like liver disease, high blood pressure, severe heart disease and certain cancers in high risk groups. It can also interfere with medications. It is a good idea to check with your physician or pharmacist if you think you might fit into one of those categories.

OTHER THAN RED WINE, WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO GET RESVERATROL?

Anders: Red wine is most famous for its phytochemical resveratrol. The potent power comes from the skin of the grapes. You can, therefore, receive phytochemical fighting power through grapes (in addition to fiber) and grape juice. In small amounts you can also get resveratrol from peanuts and peanut butter.

Childers: The resveratrol is also found in other wines but not in as high concentrations. It is found in blueberries, cranberries, red grapes and peanut products, as well. There are also supplements that contain resveratrol that non-alcohol drinkers can use. Unfortunately, the data on resveratrol supplements is not as abundant.