Alta Sierra, CA — Local retiree Sal Smith announced to his visiting family over the holidays that “a glass of red wine is good for your heart,” as he consumed his 4th cocktail of the evening.
“You know I read that a glass of red wine is good for the heart,” said the retired civil engineer and 10 year resident of Alta Sierra as he sipped his vodka. “It wasn’t long ago that booze was bad for you. Now they say its good for you. So there you go.”
Research has suggested that specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes. However more recent studies have pointed out that larger factors might be influencers in heart heath. For example, The French Diet is considerably more wholesome than the American diet, which plays more of a factor in heart health than a glass of red wine. Also, these studies are not an excuse for excessive drinking.
“Sal like his cocktails,” said a somewhat still Donna Smith, Sal’s wife. “The family knows not to argue with him. It’s a little like walking on egg shells, but as long as he has his drink, it tends to be quiet in the household.”
Not everyone in the Smith household is as accommodating. 37 year old middle child Angela Smith Stilwell doesn’t mince her words.
“Dad drinks too much, and he needs to stop,” said Ms. Stilwell. “This whole glass of wine per day is dumb. One, he doesn’t drink wine. And two, we don’t live in France. He eats Stouffers every night.”
Despite the uneasy calm at the Smith household over the holidays, the family still seems relatively happy.
“I’m just happy to have the whole family here,” continued Ms. Smith. “Sure we have our ups and downs, but that’s what family is all about.”
