Pollan points frequently to the healthfulness of the Mediterranean diet, and wine, he says plays an integral role. “There is now considerable scientific evidence for the health benefits of alcohol to go with a few centuries of traditional belief and anecdotal evidence…Alcohol of any kind appears to reduce the risk of heart disease, but the polyphenols in red wine (resveratrol in particular) may have unique protective qualities” (93).
But of course we aren’t supposed to overdo it. Pollan goes on to caution that most experts “recommend no more that two drinks a day for men, one for women” (93). And “drinking a little every day is better than drinking a lot on the weekends” just as “drinking with food is better than drinking without it” (94). So moderation and lifestyle matter here – binge drinking= bad, but a glass of wine with dinner=good. Also, there may be health conditions that prohibit any alcohol consumption. Seems like those Mediterraneans really have the right idea – about a lot of things!
ONE, ONE, ONLY ONE glass a day ladies (fellas two)!
The tips are courtesy of Michael Pollan’s book Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual. New York: Penguin, 2009.
Happy, Healthy Eating!
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