It's common knowledge that wine has health benefits as opposed to alcohol in general, this does not mean you can guzzle as much wine as you like! As with all liquor, wine should be consumed in moderation. And watch your salt intake, too, for a healthy heart, say doctors.

A recent American Heart Association (AHA) survey indicates most U.S. adults know drinking limited amounts of wine is good for the heart but are confused about the recommended daily consumption.

According to a news report published on April 26, 2011, 76 percent of those surveyed agreed that wine can be good for the heart but only 30 percent knew the American Heart Association's recommended limits for daily wine consumption.

Limit consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, or 8 ounces of wine for men and 4 ounces of wine for women.

Heavy and regular alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, high triglycerides, cancer, obesity, alcoholism, suicide and accidents.

"This survey shows that we need to do a better job of educating people about the heart-health risks of over consumption of wine, especially its possible role in increasing blood pressure," said Dr. Gerald Fletcher, spokesman for the AHA and professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, in Jacksonville, Fla.,

The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults by the American Heart Association also indicates that 60 percent Americans mistakenly believe sea salt is a low-sodium alternative to regular table salt. Kosher salt and most sea salt are chemically the same as table salt -- 40 percent sodium -- and they count the same toward total sodium consumption.

Although 46 percent think table salt is the primary source of sodium in American diets, this is incorrect. As much as 75 percent of the salt consumed is found in processed foods such as tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned foods and prepared mixes.

Dr. Gerald Fletcher says the AHA recommends consuming no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.

What is Sommelier India?
It is India's first and only magazine dedicated to wine and wine lovers. Filled with news, feature articles, wine profiles and the culture surrounding wine, Sommelier India is written by international and Indian writers, wine experts and aficionados.

www.sommelierindia.com