Wine & Health

A look at the latest research and most promising discoveries

Posted: May 31, 2009

Each week seems to bring forward a new study on the health benefits of moderate wine consumption. Evidence continues to mount that wine drinking goes hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle and is a powerful means of preventing heart disease. In addition, there has been solid research over the past few years regarding how wine may help prevent or relieve the effects of dementia, diabetes and even osteoporosis.

Many of the recent discoveries involve a compound in wine called resveratrol. What began as research into the unexplained health benefits of wine has turned into a fascinating quest to realize one of mankind's greatest dreams: to prolong the human life span. For more on scientists' efforts to unlock the potential power of resveratrol, see "Harnessing Wine's Healing Powers," beginning on page 54.

As in any area of scientific inquiry, the findings presented in this report should be viewed in context. The conclusions of any single study or group of studies are always subject to ongoing research. With that in mind, we interviewed six leading researchers and physicians for their advice on how to incorporate wine into a healthy diet; their collected responses, "Doctors Roundtable".

As always, however, you must ultimately be your own advocate. Use this guide as a broad outline to help inform your decisions about wine and your health, and be sure to consult your physician before embarking on any new lifestyle regimen.