All About Wine: Facts, Figures, and Health Benefits
Did you know that mouthwash contains more alcohol than wine? If you spend a lot of time surfing the web, you’ve probably come across blogs and channels that prove how drinking wine comes with a ton of benefits. Since most alcoholic beverages are unhealthy, you may have thought that these articles or videos are untrue and baseless. However, the latest studies prove their claim right!
In recent years, research has shown that moderate wine consumption can make a big difference in your health. If you love drinking a glass or two occasionally, you should take some time to know the positive impact it has on your body.
Check out the guide below to learn the health benefits of wine.
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Wine is one of the most beloved drinks in the world. Whether it’s a big celebration or a small gathering, a bottle or two is never absent and will always give people a good time. Apart from paving the way for happy moments, you’ll be glad to know that moderate consumption can greatly improve one’s health.
You may have heard the line “wine is good for you” a million times already. But, how exactly, you may ask? What does it do to the body?
Fortunately, the guide below will answer all your questions.
1. Wine contains antioxidants that fight free radicals.
The health benefits of wine can be attributed to the polyphenolic flavonoids found in grapes. These are antioxidants responsible for eliminating the harmful free radicals you get exposed to through pollution, unhealthy food, and other chemicals. Because of this, moderate consumption of wine can significantly reduce your risk of acquiring long-term health complications.
2. Wine combats inflammation.
Chronic inflammation can lead to various health complications, such as heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Typically, inflammation can be reduced by minimizing stress levels, having the right amount of exercise, and following a proper diet.
Luckily, wine contains anti-inflammatory agents. A 2004 study found that moderate wine consumption was linked to reduced inflammatory response levels. To give you a better picture, research participants who consumed up to 1.4 ounces of alcohol a day experienced less inflammation than non-drinkers.
3. Wine boosts the immune system.
Like vitamins and minerals, wine can also give your immune system the boost it needs. Since it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, it can help your body combat viruses and keep autoimmune disorders at bay. Do keep in mind, however, that wine shouldn’t be a replacement for the vitamins and supplements you’re taking.
4. Wine strengthens your bones.
Just like a good glass of milk, a goblet of wine can do wonders for your bones. Medical research has shown that moderate wine drinkers have higher levels of bone mineral density as compared to heavy or non-drinkers. A disciplined consumption won’t only keep your bones healthy; it will also prevent you from acquiring osteoporosis.
5. Wine regulates your blood pressure.
It’s good to know that the compounds and antioxidants found in wine can help you maintain your blood pressure.
Procyanidins keep your blood vessels healthy, while resveratrol eliminates bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases good cholesterol (HDL) levels at the same time. However, keep in mind that excessive consumption can also lead to complications such as arrhythmia, so monitor your intake accordingly.
6. Wine helps maintain your vision.
According to medical research, the resveratrol found in wine can prevent all sorts of vision-related diseases. But, to be more specific, it’s incredibly effective when it comes to preventing macular degeneration.
As one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world, macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that hinders your ability to view images in detail. Wine prevents the overgrowth of blood vessels in the eyes, ultimately keeping your macula in shape.
7. Wine prevents cardiovascular diseases.
More and more studies are supporting the claim that moderate red wine consumption can lead to a healthy heart. A 2019 research state that drinking red wine can lower the risk of acquiring coronary heart disease.
Since the compounds found in red wine can improve the linings of your blood vessels and regulate blood pressure levels, moderate drinkers have lower chances of acquiring heart diseases.
8. Wine significantly reduces the risk of stroke.
Moderate amounts of wine can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke. Thanks to compounds such as resveratrol, wine can act as a thinner that prevents blood clots from occurring. A 2015 study has also shown that the drink can protect you from acquiring secondary brain damage after experiencing a stroke or central nervous system injury.
9. Wine protects you from different kinds of cancers.
To be clear, drinking copious amounts of alcohol can cause all sorts of cancers. The toxins that come with alcoholic beverages can damage tissues and cause oxidation. Excessive consumption can promote the growth of cancer cells.
However, with moderate consumption, antioxidants and compounds in wine can give your body a shield against cancer. As long as you limit your drinking, this alcoholic beverage will be on your side.
10. Wine can keep you safe from Type 2 diabetes.
Research has shown that the beverage can reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is one of the main causes of the disease, but luckily enough, the compounds found in wine can solve this dilemma. Resveratrol can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, while ethanol helps your body metabolize glucose.
By consuming moderate amounts of wine and following other preventive measures, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite snacks and desserts.
11. Wine can increase your lifespan.
Resveratrol, one of the most potent antioxidants in wine, is known to promote the activity of sirtuins. This protein is primarily responsible for protecting the body against age-related diseases, and various studies suggest that regulated consumption can lead to a longer life.
12. Wine can reduce depression.
Over a period of seven years, researchers in Spain conducted a study centered on nutrition and cardiovascular risk. In the process of analyzing the food intake and lifestyle of their participants, they also considered factors such as mental well-being.
In their findings, they were able to discover that individuals who drank moderate amounts of alcohol had a lower chance of suffering from depression.
Aside from keeping heart disease colon and cancer away, wine can help you maintain your emotional well-being. By drinking a moderate amount of two to seven glasses a week, you can maximize the physical and mental benefits that come along with each bottle.
Drink Wine the Right Way
With the health benefits listed above, every glass of wine you drink from this point on should feel a lot more pleasant.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that you can only experience these positive effects if you drink in moderation. Excessive amounts will not only pose risks to your physical health, but it will also affect your mental well-being in the long run.
With that said, always remember to drink responsibly whenever you have a bottle in hand.
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Infographic posted with permission and courtesy of Txanton.