Striving4Zen

Five things about red wine:

Antioxidants in red wine called flavonoids have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and increasing the production of good cholesterol.

According to researchers at the University of California, Davis, certain varietals have more concentrations of flavonoids than others. Of the most common red varietals, Cabernet Savignon has the most flavonoids, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir, then Merlot and red Zinfandel.

Moderate consumption of red wine has been known to raise heart healthy omega-3 levels, and these fatty acids play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Resveratrol, another antioxidant found in red wine, could keep you slim.

Polyphenols, also found in tea, nuts, berries and cocoa, may decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Source

Labels: antioxidant, beverages, healthy booze, heart disease, Omega-3s, polyphenols, red wine, wine

While cocktails were once thought of as an empty-calorie guilty pleasure, we’re seeing mixologists introduce not-so-guilty beverages with added nutritional benefits. From high fiber and vitamin C-rich kiwi puree to sake based liquor TyKu made from free radical fighting Oolong tea, the variety of good for you combinations is endless. Current buzz cocktails include the Joie de VeeV, made with VeeV, an acai liquor infused with extract of prickly pear, fresh strawberry, lime, mint, and a sprinkle of Splenda; and Vitamin Dj, made with elderflower liquor, vodka, Granny Smith apples, fresh carrot juice, fresh ginger, and a squeeze of lime. We expect the added-value liquor category to expand with herbal, organic, and antioxidant rich varieties catering to the consumer demand for “healthy” booze.

Labels: cocktails, healthy booze, innovative, Vitamins