Health Notes
Wine is constant proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
The first thing Noah did when he survived the flood, was plant a vineyard. It is true to say that wine goes back as far into the history of mankind as our collective memory can go. It has been with us since time immemorial, and yet we are still discovering its magical properties. Most miraculous of all, is the fact that its magic and mystery continue to hold us in thrall.
We have always thought that wine might be good for us, and the good news is, a lot of people are now saying that it really is.
When Louis Pasteur pronounced that "Wine is the most healthful and hygienic of beverages", he was saying nothing new. The ancient Babylonian Talmud had said it long before: "Wine is the head of all medicines".
Today, the scientists are saying it still. The grape's antioxidant properties are well documented, and apparently even its leaves are good for you too, both inside and out. Wine is a cholesterol and fat-free source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. There are scientific reports indicating that under certain circumstances it may help boost the memory, aid HIV patients, prevent gallstones, help in the fight against cancer, lessen muscular degeneration, inhibit heart attacks, delay Altzheimer's … the list is endless, and the research goes on. In any event, the legendary Bishop of Seville, much quoted for having attributed his longevity to a bottle of wine a day (excepting when he was ill and had two) possibly was not too far out.
Modern day scientists should not find much wrong with the words of a 12th century Spanish doctor, Maimonides: "A small amount of wine such as 3 or 4 glasses is of benefit for the preservation of the health of human beings, and an excellent remedy for most illness."
But the jury is still out on whether those three or four glasses should be red or white. The Australian doctor-cum-winemaker, Dr Philip A Norrie, who once made a memorable comment echoing Maimonides: People who drink wine in moderation have the lowest death rate from all causes, puts forward a convincing case for the superiority of white wine.
Consult his website for more on wine and health related matters: www.winedoctor.md/index.htm
Articles on the Health Benefits of Wine &
Health Effects from Wine Without All the Hype
An outstanding source for scientific information on this subject (in Dutch) www.wijninfo.nl/site/
For a balanced view on alcohol and health related issues, packed with scientific research information minus all the hype, go to www.alcohol-aware.com and to www.olemiss.edu/orgs/AWARE
Drinking wine, particularly white wine, may help keep lungs healthy, UB study finds - Click to read the story.
*"Wine is the best medicine when it has the best moderation to direct it."
Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)
(Wine is an alcoholic beverage and should be taken in moderation.)
