3 - Intro to Wine - Health Flashcards
What is the French Paradox?
Despite consuming high-fat foods, French people have low rates of cardiovascular disease, partly attributed to wine consumption
Which enzyme is critical in detoxifying acetaldehyde during alcohol metabolism?
ALDH-2 (Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2)
What are the genetic variants of ALDH-2, and how do they affect alcohol tolerance?
1/1: Fastest acetaldehyde detoxification.
1/2 (heterozygote): Intermediate detoxification; higher GI cancer risk.
2/2 (homozygote): Unable to metabolize acetaldehyde; leads to flushing.
What are the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption?
Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved brain function, lower Type 2 diabetes risk, and potential longetivity benefits.
Name three traits of “healthy” wines.
- Dry (low sugar)
- Lower alcohol (le 12.5% ABV)
- High polyphenol content (e.g., procyanidins)
What is resveratrol, and why is it significant in red wine?
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grape skins that helps reduce LDL cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and has potential anti-aging effects.
Which wines are high in anthocyanin?
Petite Sirah, Tannat, Sangrantino, Touriga Nacional, and Aglianico.
How does alcohol improve heart health?
Increases HDL cholesterol.
Decreases LDL cholesterol.
Reduces platelet aggregation and fibrionegen.
What is the relationship between moderate drinking and Type 2 diabetes?
Moderate drinkers are about 30% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes compared to abstainers or heavy drinkers
Which compound in wine provide antioxidant benefits?
Polyphenols, including procyanidis, tannins, and resveratrol
How does alcohol metabolism contribute to its toxic effects?
Metabolism can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), change redox state, and impair other metabolic processes, leading to tissue damage and cancer.
What is the impact of red wine on gut microbiota?
Resveratrol in red wine can increase beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides) and reduce harmful compounds like TMAO, which is linked to heart disease.
Which pathways are involved in alcohol metabolism?
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1), Catalase
What are the consequences of alcohol metabolism?
Oxygen deficits in the liver (hypoxia).
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation.
Tissue damage.
Fetal damage.
Cancer risk.
Impaired metabolic processes.
How does binge drinking affect the brain?
Overwhelms ALDH1a1, reducing GABA levels, to increased dopamine and higher addiction risk.
How does the ALDH2*2 mutation affect alcohol tolerance?
Found in ~30% of people in Asian descent (heterozygotes)
Homozygotes cannot metabolize alcohol and experience flushing and severe reactions
What is the role of BDNF in alcohol use disorders?
Lower BDNF levels (e.g., due to Met68BDNF mutation) are linked to excessive alcohol consumption and addiction.
What potential treatments target the genetic basis of alcohol additction?
Gene delivery to increase BDNF levels in the brain; Compounds mimicking BDNF, like LM22A-4, to reduce compulsive drinking.
What diseases show reduced risk with moderate alcohol consumption
Cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes; alzheimer’s and dementia; rheumatoid arthritis; kidney cancer; non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
How does alcohol compare calorically to other macronutrients?
Alcohol; 7 kcal/gram
Carbs and Protein: 4 kcal/gram
Fat: 9 kcal/gram
What did a Harvard study find about moderate drinking and logevity?
Moderate drinkers had a 21-28% lower risk of death from all causes compared to absteiners
What effect does moderate alcohol consumption have on stress and work absence?
Moderate drinkers under stress are less likely to be absent from work.
Why might moderate drinking be more effective than lifestyle changes for reducing heart disease risk?
It provides greater benefits for cholesterol and heart health, even more than strict diets or exercise.
What was the finding of the Rhode Island study comparing red wine and vodka?
Both improved cardiovascular health, but red wine had greater benefits due to its antioxidants.
