Wine has been popular for centuries, which means it has been studied across the centuries. Many researchers, doctors, and scientists have found several benefits to drinking wine, and here are a few of the biggest.
May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease
While not something that applies to every wine drinker, many studies have shown that a glass of the good stuff may help to reduce cardiovascular disease. The polyphenols found in red wine can decrease platelet aggregation.
Even if you love white wine, adding a glass of red wine here and there can also help to reduce heart disease, with a first-of-its-kind study showing regular red wine consumption lowered bad cholesterol in postmenopausal women.
Brain Health
A few very interesting studies that have been repeated with similar results all show that light to moderate wine consumption can lower the risk of dementia. The “light” consumption aspect of this is important, as excessive consumption has been shown to harm the brain.
The studies show that the wine acts as an inflammation fighter, and it can also clear away toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s, which keeps your brain healthy and fully functional.
Can Protect Against Stroke
Red wine has not only been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, but has also been shown to offer better protection to the brain after a stroke. This is due to the high levels of resveratrol that are found in the wine.
While more long-term studies need to be done, researchers are confident in the abilities of resveratrol and its ability to protect against severe damage caused by a stroke.
May Lower the Risk of/Manage Diabetes
When it comes to diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, the results of studies involving wine are exceptionally interesting. Many studies have shown that a moderate amount of red wine, combined with a healthy diet, can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, or manage it better if you already have it.
Moderation is key when it comes to this, as an overconsumption of alcohol has been shown to have the complete opposite effect, and can make diabetes and the side effects associated with it far worse.
Antibacterial Properties
One interesting aspect of red wine is its antibacterial properties. The resveratrol in the wine can reduce H. pylori, a bacterium that can lead to stomach ulcers and damage. This is another point that needs further study, but current research shows there is a connection between resveratrol and H. pylori reduction.
Antioxidants
Red wine, having antioxidants, is one of the most well-known benefits of drinking it, and the science backs it up. Once again, resveratrol is incredible and fights against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells.
Free radicals can contribute to a variety of things, such as aging, inflammation, and some diseases. Therefore, having fewer of them roaming in your body is only a good thing.
Gut Health
Red wine has a variety of bacteria present in it, which makes it a brilliant prebiotic. This leads to a more diverse and healthier gut, which has been shown to support digestion and immunity, along with a variety of other benefits.
Longevity
Whether you are in Florence or Rome, if you ask a Nona what the secret is to a long life, more often than not, they will point to red wine. This becomes less of a funny joke and more like a statement of fact when you consider all the benefits listed above.
While red wine is certainly not the fountain of youth, drinking it in moderation can benefit you in a variety of ways, to varying degrees depending on the person. However, it is important to note that, while obvious, red wine is not a cure-all, and any serious health problems you have should be addressed by a doctor.
Can be Part of a Healthy Diet
Finally, wine is one of the few alcohols that can be part of a healthy lifestyle and diet. When consumed in moderation, it doesn’t have the same harmful effects as other types of alcohol, plus it is also reasonably low in calories when compared to beer or cocktails.
How Much to Drink
Moderation has been mentioned several times so far, but many may not know what moderation means when it comes to wine. In simple terms, a glass for women, or two glasses for men, is considered moderate.
What is important to remember is that daily consumption will lead to heavy use, and it is suggested that the maximum you should be drinking is four glasses in a seven-day period, or per week.
On the other hand, excessive consumption of wine, whether it be red or white, will negate any potential health benefits you may experience, and can lead to more severe conditions such as disease, cancer, liver or heart damage, etc.
In conclusion, wine, and red wine in particular, has the potential to not only improve some health conditions you may have, but also prevent them completely. Therefore, havving a few glasses a week is not only a great way to finish off a busy day, but your body will thank you as well.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
