Although we’ve long been warned about the dangers of drinking too much alcohol, there is an increasingly robust body of research that demonstrates the health benefits certain types of alcohol can have when consumed in moderation.
One of the most beneficial? Well, red wine of course. You’ll be amazed to know that the red wine you’ve been buying contains certain active ingredients that translate into real health benefits. This gives you just one more reason to feel good about your end of the day ritual. Here are 5 red wine health benefits from that glass of cabernet sauvignon or merlot, which can actually improve your overall health.
Benefit #1 – You’re doing something good for your heart
Red wine is full of antioxidants that your body needs to thrive and these help to protect your heart in a variety of way. When consumed in a moderation, red wine can help to reduce inflammation, balance cholesterol levels and even lessen overall oxidative stress on the heath.
In fact, researchers have even found that one of the active ingredients in red wine, resveratrol, can assist in reducing blood clots and therefore has a long-term preventative impact when it comes to coronary heart disease and stroke.
Benefit #2 – You could actually be improving your brain function and memory
It is definitely true that if you’re drinking wine, or any type of alcohol for that matter, in large quantities, your memory is likely to suffer and both short and long-term recall ability could be affected. That being said, researchers have found that drinking moderate amounts of red wine on a regular basis can actually work to protect your brain and can help you avoid dementia and memory problems.
Red wine consumption has been linked with a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Cheers to that.
Benefit #3 – You’re doing your waistline a favour
Sometimes wine get a bad rep for containing too many calories and if often one of the first items that we’re told to say goodbye to when starting a weight loss program. But more and more research is pointing to the fact that this might not be very good advice. Red wine helps to balance insulin in the body which can go a long way to managing body weight and preventing weight gain.
Another active ingredient found in red wine is the compound piceatannol, which effective assists with weight management by blocking cellular processes that lead to fat development and storage.
Benefit #4 – You’re reducing your risk of cancer
The body of research surrounding this claim is still relatively young and there is more to be done, but researchers have found that the antioxidant which are found in bountiful quantities in grapes and red wine can work towards reducing your risk of cancer.
Free radicals damage cells, which can potentially lead to cell mutation and cancerous growth. The antioxidants in red wine reduce free radicals and limit cellular damage, which might help to reduce cancer risk. In fact, the American Cancer Society lists specific active antioxidants that are helpful in reducing the risk of cancer and quercetin, which is found is grapes, is among those listed.
Benefit #5 – You’re helping to keep your blood sugar in check
An additional balancing effect that red wine has on the body is related to insulin levels. Several research studies have been conducted and have confirmed that moderate consumption of red wine can regulate how insulin behaves within the body.
With its ability to reduce insulin resistance, red wine also works to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Again, moderation is the key to enjoying these health benefits and they are most closely associated with a wine consumption of 2-7 glasses per week.
