In an article published online in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, European researchers report that moderate intake of alcoholic beverages, particularly wine, is associated with an increase in plasma and red blood cell omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Wine intake has been associated with a reduction in heart disease, as has the intake of fish, whose high omega-3 fatty acid content is believed to be responsible for its benefits.
For the current research, Romina di Giuseppe, of the Research Laboratories at Catholic University of Campobasso, and her colleagues analyzed data from the IMMIDIET study of 1,604 adults living in England, Belgium, and Italy, which sought to obtain information concerning genetics and lifestyle in cardiovascular disease. Participants received medical examinations upon enrollment which included the administration of questionnaires concerning dietary and alcohol intake.
"Alcohol intake was associated with higher plasma and red blood cell concentrations of marine omega–3 fatty acids," the authors reported. Dr di Giuseppe observed that "Several studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption, including wine, is associated with protection against coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke.
Although the mechanisms are not completely defined, there was some evidence that alcohol intake might influence the metabolism of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, as omega-3. That is exactly what we found in our population study. People drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, one drink a day for women and two for men, had higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells independently of their fish intake".
"The association was stronger between wine drinking and omega-3 fatty acids levels," noted coauthor Licia Iacoviello. "This suggests that components of wine other than alcohol is associated with omega-3 fatty acids concentration. We may guess this effect can be ascribed to polyphenols."
I'm so happy to read that. I have just started to drink about 1/2 cup red wine with dinner. Prior to this week, I only occasionally drank any alcohol. Occasionally means about 3 times a year. I'm doing it the way the French do; although I'm pretty sure they drink more than me. They drink it with meals mostly; instead of socially or to get high as the Americans do. They even dilute it for the children.
There has just been too much evidence in favor of red wine to continue avoiding it. I think I'm supporting my liver pretty well. I believe it can handle 1/2 cup per day.
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- Jim "The most powerful force ever known on this planet is human cooperation — a force for construction and destruction.” (Jonathan Haidt)
Wine Boosts Omega-3's
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