BY SARAH HARRIAGE / Staff Writer

We never know what will be the next healthy or unhealthy food or what may be the next source of cancer.

However, the facts behind one of these unsolved mystery foods could be lifesaving.

Could a glass of red wine a day really benefit the heart health for those especially of our parents’ generation?

Some students are still wary of the myth.

“I would think it’s unhealthy depending on how much you’re drinking,” said Amy Fall, a junior in Spanish education. “All these studies have come out about what’s healthy and now, so what’s believable?”

There are many in the medical profession who agree with Fall that there are not enough studies to convince health’s biggest critics.

“I’ve never come across any solid evidence, or heard from a physician, that has convinced me that drinking a glass of red wine a day is good for you,” said registered nurse Lee Branum.

On the contrary, various students said that some physicians have recommended it for bettering heart health.

“My dad drinks it every day because his heart doctor told him to,” said Robert Florence, a senior in environmental science. “I think it’s true that red wine is healthy in most cases. The alcohol is a depressant and lowers your blood pressure, and it also has antioxidants in it.”

Florence may be right, but not because of the antioxidants.

“As we know, there is no good study that has shown red wine can improve heart health and prolong life,” said Dr. Scott Fargher of Tampa. “The only possible thing I can think of, though, is that alcohol contains tannins, or pigments, that are also in red wine.”  

Fargher explained that tannins are the same working elements in the drugs aspirin and Plavix, that work to make your platelets more slippery, allowing them to flow more easily through your arteries.

“This is why some people may think a moderate level of red wine is good for your heart, but there’s not enough evidence to prove it does the same as aspirin,” Fargher said.

Fargher also said only those who have reached an age where the risk of heart disease is prevalent may eventually experience the benefits of red wine.

Despite the possibility  it could be great for your blood pressure, some will never give those 8oz a chance because they have failed to see any results.

“My mom drinks a glass a day, but I still think it’s an old wives’ tale,” said Brandon Atkins, a sophomore in political science.