We've all heard that red wine is "good for your heart." In the
early 1990s, the media reported the so-called French Paradox,
despite a diet full of saturated fats and refined carbohydrate,
the French have few heart attacks and credited it to their
consumption of red wine. Since then, many scientific studies
have indicated that moderate wine drinking protects against
cardiovascular disease, and recent preliminary studies indicate
wine may play a potential role in protecting against certain
cancers, dementia, and in enhancing lung function and increasing
longevity. Most of the research is centered on polyphenols,
potent antioxidants that are found in grapes. This article
summarizes recent research, offers guidance for practitioners,
and a cautionary note as to the detrimental effects of alcohol.