Contrary to popular belief, red wine may not have any beneficial effect on endothelial function and cardiovascular health.
This research work was carried out to determine the combined effects of a high-fat meal and red wine on endothelial function. Researchers assigned 13 healthy volunteers into two groups: the red wine group ( fed with high-fat meals and red wine) and the control group ( given fatty foods and beverages). The dietary intervention was administered to each group at the same day once a week for two weeks. Flow-mediated vasodilation was measured in the brachial artery of all the subjects 2, 4, and 6 hours after meal.
Researchers observed a marked increased in plasma triglyceride levels in both the red wine and the control groups. However, high fat diets with and without red wine had no significant effect on the brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation in both cohorts in this study. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that fatty foods and red wine are associated with detrimental and beneficial effects respectively on endothelial function.