Improving the health and lifestyle of the wine drinker

Why do people drink wine?  I’ve asked quite a few people over the past few weeks trying to understand their motivation to open a bottle of wine and the answers are all over the spectrum.  From complementing a meal, to improved heart health, to socializing, and even as a habit.  What was clear through all of the words was the nuance of ‘lifestyle’.  Some took their wine drinking seriously; others simply because it was right in front of them.   For most the enjoyment was not so much the flavor, texture, or finish of the wine as it was the events surrounding the moment.  To top off my questions, I asked if any of them had ever experienced a headache or a little ‘fogginess’ the next day as a result of their wine ‘enjoyment’.  Though not astounding to me, the answer I received was an affirmative.  What was astounding to them was the fact that when they thought about it, it was quite often that they had these negative consequences, yet these effects were not so severe as to have them rethink their lifestyle choices.  That’s when our conversation would turn to the question:  What if you could do one thing different that would eliminate the ‘bad’ things without changing anything else?   Obviously, that was the lead in for LiverGARD as clearly these folks were NOT going to stop drinking.  That’s what we, and I, have been preaching for almost 10 years now.  As LiverGARD is carried more and more at wineries ( in their tasting rooms) and in stores that sell wine ( and spirits and beer ), this message is being validated.   Anything that improves the experience is positive and if health benefits are realized as well, then that’s icing on the cake.  Whether you sell wine or drink it, it’s time to consider improving the experience for yourself and/or your customers.

In health,

NBPI

heart health and wine but what about the liver?

It’s an interesting question to me and is  actually relevant to about 80% of the adults that I know.  So many of us drink wine from the occasional glass with dinner,  a tasting party with friends at a winery, or the ‘crush your own grapes and we’ll make some ourselves’ crew.  Knowing that there is mixed evidence of the  heart health benefit of wine (and more specifically red wine) here is some information from the Mayo Clinic that helps us understand where the research is currently:

‘The studies supporting red wine suggest antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. These antioxidants come in two main forms: flavonoids and nonflavonoids.

• Flavonoids. These antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, including oranges, grape juice, apples, onions, tea and cocoa. Other types of alcohol, such as white wine and beer, contain small amounts, too, but red wine has higher levels.
• Nonflavonoids. These antioxidants found in red wine have recently been of particular interest because they appear to help prevent arteries from becoming clogged with fatty blockages. However, these studies mostly involved mice — not humans. Resveratrol is the nonflavonoid that’s received the most attention from researchers.’

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/red-wine/HB00089

The rest of the article at the above link is good information as well.  The final recommendation that people shouldn’t start drinking in order to get the health benefits due the other health concerns associated with alcohol consumption is why I’m pointing out the liver in all of this.  Of course the liver is impacted, especially if too much alcohol is consumed.  So, the question begs…if we’re not going to stop drinking wine ( or beer or whiskey ), what can we do to get the heart health advantage without the negative liver consequences?  THAT, I do have an answer for…and if you read the MayoClinic information you’re going to see that my answer may also have heart health benefits that I haven’t even thought of.  My answer is a product called LiverGARD.  A food product extract comprised of artichoke and sarsaparilla, it provides nutrition to the body that allows the liver to continue it’s normal efficiency under the duress of moderate alcohol consumption.  It’s extremely high in antioxidants ( two capsules = 3-4 cups of blueberries );  high in polyphenols and flavonoids.  Exactly what is good for you in the red wine  for your heart and in this case the liver.  It’s no wonder then that it actually prevents the dreaded hangover that usually effects who???  Yeah, the light to moderate drinker or more pointedly, YOU.   So as we come in to the holiday season and football starts up and the grape crushing parties are underway, get yourself some LiverGARD and have it on hand for everyone.  You’ll be doing your heart, liver, and lifestyle a huge service.  Check out www.livergard.com

In health,

NBPI