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Top Health News Stories of 2009
Happy New Year! We're looking forward to a fresh year of covering the intersection of drinking wine and healthy living. But before we move forward, we'll raise a glass to the top health stories of 2009 at WineSpectator.com as chosen by you, our readers. Here's the line up:
1. Red Wine Improves Sex Lives of Tuscan Women: A study finds those who drink a glass or two a day score higher on a sexual function questionnaire
2. Red Wine Helps the Heart: Polyphenols like resveratrol and quercetin may work together to promote cardiovascular health
3. Heavy Alcohol Consumption a Cancer Risk: But moderate wine drinking lowered risk of several cancers, according to Canadian study
4. Red Wine Helps Kick-Start Good Digestion: Portuguese study finds the beverage triggers chemical reactions inside the stomach
5. Resveratrol Shows Anti-Viral Abilities: Italian study finds that the red-wine compound prevents viruses from replicating inside cells
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 | Q: In your article, "Pop the Champagne for Heart Health," you did not specify whether the researchers used "true" Champagne or sparkling wine. Also, the article implied using blanc de noirs instead of blanc de blancs. Was the research more specific? French Champagne is a little out of my budget. —Anon. |
A: The scientists at the University of Reading declined to specify which sparkling wine they used in their study. However, since their research was conducted with assistance from two biochemical and molecular biology centers in Reims, France, the heart of Champagne country, it's a safe bet they used Champagne. While to our knowledge no one has tried this experiment with other sparkling wines, the scientists focused on Champagne because most of it is made with both red and white grapes. They theorize that some of the abundant polyphenolic compounds in red grapes, which are believed responsible for many of wine's health benefits, must be absorbed into the wine, even if the red color pigments are not. (White wines do have polyphenols, just not as much.)
While some sparkling wines are made with just white grapes, many are made with a blend of red and white, so it's perfectly possible that other sparkling wines offer the same benefits. In fact, one study from Spain found that drinking cava improved arterial health. Obviously more research is needed, so start popping corks.
Have a question about wine and healthy living? E-mail us.
Browse our archive of previous questions and answers.
Wellness: Squash Risotto Recipe Is cooking more one of your resolutions? Get pointers on how to improve your pairings in our on-going series with chef Gavin Kaysen of New York City’s Café Boulud. In this episode, chef Kaysen demonstrates how to make a delicious winter squash risotto -- a great way to incorporate vitamin-rich squash into your recipe repertoire. And for an extra healthy twist, consider replacing the arborio rice with a whole grain, such as barley, quinoa or farro. Watch the video and download the recipe. Be sure to check back for the upcoming video on how to prepare the main course, a sautéed sea bass.
Note: Wine Spectator makes no medical claims and recommends you consult with your doctor about the effects of wine consumption on your health.
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