Is it true wine protects the heart?

Dear Doctor: Is it true wine protects the heart? If it does, how much should one take every day? Muhoozi
Dear Muhoozi: A glass of red, rather than white wine is said to protect the heart from the killer condition in which the heart arteries may become clogged with fat (coronary heart disease), leading to heart attacks.

Apart from one glass of wine ending up being three by the end of the year, there are cheaper and better methods to protect the heart, including physical exercise and minimising fat in the diet.

The French paradox is the observation that they (French) appear to have relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease, despite having a diet relatively rich in fats. Though, the compound, resveratrol, is thought to be responsible, it seems what is absorbed by drinkers of red wine is too small to explain the paradox, hence the reason they front polyphenols, a group of natural chemicals.

The common assumption is that a glass of red wine a day can boost a person’s heart health. However, this may not favour the overweight or obese (a person with a body mass index that is above 27.5). Also, a lot of wine will raise the risk of heart related complications in both lean and obese people.

Unfortunately, even small amounts of alcohol, will cause trouble in conditions such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, and the major chronic killer diseases.

People have used various excuses to take alcohol, including its supposed benefit in heart protection. It is more useful to adopt a generally healthy lifestyle of exercise and minimising fat, apart from avoiding drink-driving and over indulgence in alcohol.

Also, avoid smoking, drug abuse and self-prescription, as these can go a long way to keep the heart healthy.