Q: Why is red wine good for the heart?

A: "Of the number of compounds in red wine, the biggest class are the polyphenolic compounds," said John Beard, professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State.

These compounds act as antioxidants, which are good for the heart, he said. Also, drinking wine could make people live longer, as it decreases risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, he said.

"Resveratrol, found in grape skins and seeds, increases the good cholesterol and prevents blood clotting," said Karen Colbert, American Heart Association's director of communications for the western region of Pennsylvania. The resveratrol is also an antioxidant, she said.

Studies have shown that people who drink one to two four-ounce glasses of red wine a day reduce their risk for heart diseases, she said.

"French studies show that red wine is high in antioxidants; if you have the choice between white or red wine, choose red," Colbert said. One glass of wine a day is recommended for women, two for men.

Red wine is good in moderation, but if people do not drink now, the American Heart Association cautions people not to start, she said.

"There is no scientific proof that Americans [who drink red wine] live longer," she said. It is just taking care of your heart and making healthy choices, she said.

-Compiled by Cindy Hryszko