Wine is one of the most consumed drinks in the world. It’s delicious. It gives you a nice buzz and tastes fantastic with various foods. It’s also surprisingly good for you. Wine is known for its health benefits. In this article, we talk about five of the most popular ones and discuss why they might be good for you.
Table of Contents
1- Red Wine Promotes Heart Health
Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol which has been shown to promote heart health by making your blood vessels healthier and increasing elasticity. The good news is that you don’t need to consume a whole bottle of red wine every day. One or two glasses will do the trick.
The antioxidants in red wine have also been known to help prevent high blood pressure. Interestingly, the antioxidants found in white wines do not appear to have the same effect. Certain brands are now using resveratrol supplements to help lower blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension.
2- Wine Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Did you know that drinking two glasses of wine per day can decrease your risk of developing diabetes by up to 8%? That’s quite a lot! It’s primarily because of resveratrol, which has been shown to prevent fat build-up in the blood vessels though it may also reduce calorie intake. In addition, people who drink wine tend to eat fewer sweets than those who don’t.
A 2009 study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that those who drank alcohol had a 15% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who didn’t. Light to moderate drinkers experienced the most significant benefit. You can try different types of wine by getting some passion fruit wine online.
3- Red Wine and Weight Loss
Wine, particularly red wine, has also been shown to promote weight loss and help people lose belly fat. A recent study found that people who drank a glass of red wine per day lost two pounds more than those who didn’t. This is because wine contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation, get rid of abdominal fat, and help lower cholesterol levels.
A 2008 study compared the effects of drinking four glasses of water with consuming four glasses of wine on weight loss. The wine drinkers and those who did not drink alcohol both lost 10 pounds. But the wine drinkers lost almost double the fat. In addition, they were far more likely to drop below their body weight at the end of six months and keep it off for longer.
4- Wine Reduces Risk of Cancer
Wine contains a chemical called piceatannol, which reduces the risk of breast, mouth, prostate, and esophageal cancers. Another chemical in wine known as resveratrol has been found to reduce inflammation in the body, reducing many types of cancers. This is especially true in the colon and the breast. In fact, one study found that women who either drank red wine or took a resveratrol supplement had a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
5- Wine Reduces Risk of Alzheimer’s
The beneficial effects of wine don’t stop there. It has been found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by a whopping 60%. In addition, people who consume two or more glasses per day have a lower risk of developing this disease. These are just a few of the reasons why drinking wine may help you live healthier.
A 2013 study found that people who drank wine regularly were at a reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life. This is due to an antioxidant found in wine called resveratrol which has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and improve memory, thinking, and language skills even in elderly individuals suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
6- Red Wine and Immune System
Wine has been shown to boost the immune system, reducing the risk of catching a cold or the flu. Red wine has resveratrol, antioxidants, and polyphenols, particularly ellagic acid, which stimulates macrophages and natural killer cells. These cells produce anti-inflammatory cytokines, making it easier for your immune system to fight off infection. In addition to that, research shows that people who drink wine are less likely to develop infections than those who do not.
As with many things we see in life, moderation is critical in maximizing the health benefits while still enjoying good things from life!
