There have been many studies about the effects of consuming wine on a regular basis and some even suggest that moderate intake of wine can protect the heart. A study done by a group of researchers in 1979 shows the relationship of red wine consumption and lower risk of coronary heart disease in 18 developed countries (Cao and Prior 76). More recently, the study involving 13,329 people done by the Copenhagen City Heart Study illustrates that moderate intake of red wine helps reduce the risk of stroke (Cao and Prior 76). .
What are the differences between red and white wine? The production of red wine involves every parts of the grapes, which includes the juice, skins and seeds. The production of white wine, on the other hand, avoids the use of skins and seeds. Scientists believe that the most significant chemicals called Flavonoids, which can be found in the skins and seeds of red grape is associated with protection against coronary heart disease (Cao and Prior 77). "Red wine, as well as its flavonoid constituents, has been shown to have antioxidant activities, to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to relax blood vessels. A moderate intake of red wine (1-2 drinks a day) may have potentially beneficial effects independent of alcohol" (Cao and Prior 80). Japanese researchers also find that the amount of Flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, in red wine is 28 times or more than what is found in white wine. According to their study, red wine has shown to have high level of antioxidant capacities (5-8 times stronger than white wine) that is proven to help prevent the toxic effects of oxygen and allow more blood flow through vessels (Cao and Prior 79-80). .
Based on the study done by Harvard School of Public Health in 1991, health professionals who drink one or two glasses of red wine a day have 26% smaller chance of having problems related to heart disease ("Heard it" 70).