The benefit of red wine is supported by analysis of 13 studies involving 209,408 participants. This analysis showed a 32 % risk reduction of atherosclerosis disease with red wine intake.
Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels. The buildup of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries decreases blood flow to the heart which can result in angina chest pain or a heart attack.
Light to moderate alcohol consumption is also associated with a 20% reduction (approximate) in the risk for ischemic stroke and is thought to be beneficial in preventing subsequent strokes.
The compounds found in red wine appear to favorably maintain healthy blood vessels by promoting the formation of nitric oxide; the key chemical relaxing factor that has a significant role in the regulation of vascular tone.
Nitric oxide protects against vascular injury, inhibits the adhesion of inflammatory cells to the endothelial lining of arterial walls, and limits the activation of platelets; tiny cell particles responsible for blood clotting.
Source:
Red Wine and Your Heart
Paul E. Szmitko, BSc; Subodh Verma, MD, PhD
Circulation. 2005;111:e10-e11.
2005 American Heart Association, Inc.
