Are There Any Health Benefits of Red Wine?

The question of whether red wine has health benefits is still a debatable issue. Several studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of red wine—which has an alcohol content of 12% -15%—daily can help prevent heart disease. However, it’s important to remember that alcohol can be dangerous when consumed in excess.

7 Health Benefits of Red Wine

Red wines, which are prepared by crushing and fermenting whole dark-colored grapes, offer many health benefits. Some of the most popular red wines include Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.

1. Rich in antioxidants: Red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols that may help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart. Resveratrol is one such polyphenol and has received much attention for its health benefits.
2. Lowers bad cholesterol: According to a study, the Tempranillo grape—used to make certain varieties of red wines such as Rioja—lowers bad cholesterol levels.
3. Keeps heart healthy: Red wine contains polyphenols, antioxidants that keep the blood vessels flexible by preventing unwanted clotting. However, it should be remembered that heavy drinking damages the heart.
4. Regulates blood sugar: Resveratrol, the compound found in grape skins, lowers blood sugar levels in diabetic people. A recent study shows that taking 250 mg of resveratrol supplements daily for three months lowers glucose levels in the blood more than not taking it at all. Resveratrol also controls cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure.
5. Helps treat common cold: Because red wines contain antioxidants that protect against free radicals, they may help treat common colds and other ailments.
6. Keeps memory sharp: You can keep your memory sharp by enjoying red wine on a regular basis, according to research. That same resveratrol inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid protein, a key ingredient in the plaque of the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
7. Keeps you slim: You might be pleased to know that resveratrol helps keep your weight down, too. The chemical compound piceatannol, which is made from resveratrol, reduces fat cells in the body. Research has shown that piceatannol speeds up the activity of insulin receptors on fat cells, blocking the pathways required for immature fat cells to grow.

We all know that excessive drinking can have a number of negative effects on the body, which include liver cirrhosis, weight gain, etc. It can even pose a threat to life. But that doesn’t mean you cannot indulge in drinking your favorite red wine once in a while. Ideally, it shouldn’t be more than 1-2 glasses a day, with breaks of at least 1-2 days in between.

There are other ways to consume wine in order to get its health benefits, such as preparing a red wine sauce to go with your dinner. Red wine can also be beneficial in other ways, such as treating headaches and reducing calorie intake by killing appetite. However, always remember that consuming too much alcohol can have an adverse effect to your health, so be sure to consume in moderation!  Cheers!