Q. Does wine have real health benefits?

There is evidence that wine has health benefits.

Here’s important information from the American Heart Association:

“Support for a more pronounced cardioprotective effect for red wine as compared with other alcoholic beverages first emerged from the Copenhagen City Heart Study, in which 13,285 men and women were observed for 12 years.

“The results from this study suggested that patients who drank wine had half the risk of dying from coronary heart disease or stroke as those who never drank wine. Those who drank beer and spirits did not experience this advantage.

“The additional benefit of red wine is supported further by an analysis of 13 studies involving 209,418 participants. This analysis showed a 32 percent risk reduction of atherosclerotic disease with red wine intake, which was greater than the 22 percent risk reduction for beer consumption.

“Other studies and reviews have failed to show a beneficial effect for red wine, however, and hence it could be concluded that other lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, socioeconomic status, or pattern of alcohol consumption may have played a role in giving wine drinkers an advantage in lowered rates of atherosclerosis.

“The chemical composition of red wine may contribute to its apparent benefit. A series of scientific studies suggests that the polyphenolic compounds in red wine, such as flavonoids and resveratrol, may play an active role in limiting the start and progression of atherosclerosis.”

Q. What lifestyle changes can raise your HDL number?

High-density lipoproteins (HDL), remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. HDL should be at 60 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or higher to cut the risk of heart disease.

Here are some tips to raise your HDLs:

* Quit smoking

* Reduce your intake of meat, eggs and dairy products

* Increase your intake of monounsaturated fats such as canola oil, avocado oil or olive oil

* Consume soluble fibers that are in oats, fruits, vegetables and legumes

* Drink cranberry juice

* Eat fish and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.

* Avoid cakes, cookies and highly processed cereals and breads.

* Exercise

* Lose weight

Q. Are women happier than men?

There was a study of men and women in the United States that showed women are happier than men in their youth, and are unhappier when they are old.

Among the influences upon happiness found in the study are these:

* Women marry earlier than men leading to higher satisfaction with family life at that time in their lives.

* Men are the saddest in their 20s, when they are the most likely to be single.

* In later years, men tend to be married and many women are widowed are divorced.

* Early in life, women are more likely to fulfill their financial aspirations because they tend to marry slightly older men at a young age.

* Young men are more dissatisfied with their finances, because they want more than young women do.

* Men become more satisfied with their finances as they age, because they have increased spending power.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2021 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

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