Research conducted by scientists at Israel's Ben Gurion University of the Negev suggests that moderate consumption of red wine helps diabetics improve cholesterol levels.
Scientists divided 200 patients with type II diabetes into two groups. The first one drank a glass of mineral water every day with the evening meal. Another group consumed a glass of red or white wine.
All followed the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fish, fruit, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and legumes, with little meat, milk and sweets.
After two years, it was shown that those who drank red wine reduced their cholesterol level by 10 percent. White wine, however, had no beneficial effects.
"Antioxidants and phytochemicals found in foods with dark shades of red and purple can improve cholesterol," Israeli scientists say.
Alcohol, however, can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low, especially in patients on insulin or insulin-stimulating drugs. Wine also contains sugars that can significantly increase blood sugar levels after a meal, which is certainly not good for such patients.
If you are diabetic, but even if you are not, consume alcohol in small quantities. One drink a day for women and two for men, always with a meal to keep sugar under control, reports B92.
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