Alcohol: Definitions

Alcohols: Organic compounds containing the hydroxyl (OH) group attached to a carbon atom which may be attached to 2 Hydrogen(H) atoms (primary), one atom (secondary) or no atom (tertiary). Alcohol is a natural by-product in assimilation and digestion. It is found in the tissue and fluids of the human body and plants. Simplest form of alcohol is wood alcohol (methyl alcohol) (CH3OH). The most common alcohol is Ethyl alcohol or drinking alcohol (C2H5OH). Other common alcohols are rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol), butyl alcohol and trihydric alcohol (glycerin).

History of Wine

Exactly when man first began to make wine is unknown. The discovery of wine was almost certainly an accident. The grape, however, was known to early man since prehistoric times. Grape seeds have been discovered in ancient caves. The first recorded wine in early civilization (4000-3000 b.c.) occurred in river valleys extending from the Nile to the Persian Gulf. Since then wine has been a welcome guest, not just at the dinner table but also at weddings, religious rituals and even doctors' offices.

Only recently, however, have scientists begun to investigate the actual health benefits of sipping wine, especially the red varieties. We have learned that the French indulge in cigarettes, buttery croissants, and fat-laden food, and are still 2 1/2 times less likely to develop heart disease than their supposedly healthier American counterparts. So researchers has been investigating the so-called French Paradox and have discovered that the French have healthier hearts at least partly because of their penchant for red wines.

How Wine Effects Your Health

The main contents of wine are ethyl ALCOHOL, SUGAR, WATER and a few phytochemicals, such as PROANTHOCYANIDIN, TANNINS, FLAVONOIDS, POLYPHENOLIC ANTOXIDANTS (called QUERCETIN and RESVERATROL), and some other unknown chemicals. Exactly which chemicals prevent heart disease is still not known. According to research during the past 10 years, the following chemicals may be important roles:

1. ALCOHOL or ethyl alcohol or ethanol alcohols are normal by-products of assimilation and digestion and are found in tissues and fluid of human and animals. As mentioned before, ethanol has been made since ancient times by fermentation of sugars by the yeast enzyme, zymase. After consuming any alcoholic beverage, alcohol will break down partially in the stomach and then absorb into circulation and diffuse into all tissues including passing through blood brain barrier and placenta to fetal circulation. Alcohol will be oxidized by alcohol dehydrogenase in the liver at the rate about 120mg of ethanol/kg bodyweight per hour. According to researchers at Harvard'sSchool of Public Health, moderated alcohol drinkers (about one or two glasses; 4-5 ounces of wine) per day had 25 to 40 percent lower chance of developing coronary heart disease than non-drinkers. The reason is modest amount of alcohol seem to boost level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The slower the process of alcohol dehydrogenase activity the higher the HDL level. A recent report in JAMA (April18, 2001) also indicated that the incident of motility post myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure among older persons who drink moderately are less than nondrinkers. Other benefits of moderate alcohol drinking are fewer incidences of ischemic stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and high blood pressure and Type2 diabetes.

2. RESVERATROL (3,4',5 TRIHYDROXYSTILBENE) A phytoalexin phenolic compound, act as an antifungal, antioxidant in grape skin found to lower fat content in the liver and lower blood cholesterol and will prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, as well as prevent aggregation of platelets (so it will prevent blood clots); acts as phytoestrogen; possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Resveratrol also dilates arteries and lowers blood pressure.

3. QUERCETIN, a powerful flavonoid (high in red wine and red onion), will prevent platelets in blood from sticking together; prevent cancer cells from developing as well as inhibit histamine release, thus it will help reduce allergic reactions and asthma.

Wine is also capable of wiping out harmful bacteria. Studies also show close relationship between the level of TANNIN, the substance that makes wine dry and the level of healing process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wines are good for you IF you drink modestly (two drinks for men and one drink for women), preferably red wines. Of course, wine or any alcoholic beverages can kill you and may cause all kinds of commonly known problems. Alcoholics, or persons with substance abuse problems, should NOT drink at all.

Three of the most heart-healthy wines are: CABERNET, SAUVIGNON, and PETITE

Note: if you don't drink wine you can drink 6 oz of grape juice which is analogous to a glass of wine.