Joy Onuorah

Did you know that red wine could be healthy? There is abundant evidence that moderate intake of red wine may have have beneficial effects. 

It may promote heart health and even fight some forms of cancer. However, moderate consumption of red wine is key.

Read wine is the type of wine made from black grape varieties. But the color of the wine may differ ranging from intense violet (young wines) to brick red (mature wines) and brown (older wines).

Meanwhile, their alcohol content of red wine usually ranges from 12% to 15%.

Red wine is made from grapes, and grapes are rich in several antioxidants. Some of these include catechins, resveratrol, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins.

Check out some of the benefits of red wine:

Heart health boost

The antioxidants in red wine can increase the levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). This prevents cholesterol build-up, preventing heart disease.

The polyphenols in red wine, especially resveratrol, can protect the linings of the blood vessels in your heart. Resveratrol has been found to reduce blood clots.

Lowers cholesterol levels

In addition to raising good cholesterol levels, the resveratrol in red wine can also lower the levels of bad cholesterol. 
Studies say that a daily glass of red wine for four weeks can elevate good cholesterol levels by 16 percent, and reduce the amount of fibrinogen (a clotting compound) by 15 percent.

Helps fight diabetics

As per a recent study, moderate red wine consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The credit could be given to the polyphenols in red wine, which may help manage blood sugar levels.

Red wine is one of the richest dietary sources of resveratrol, which, as per a study, can improve the health of diabetics’ arteries.

Fights cancer

Resveratrol in red wine can destroy pancreatic cancer cells. The antioxidant achieves this by crippling the function of the cells’ core energy source (also called the mitochondria).

In fact, the importance of red wine during cancer treatment is so much that doctors wouldn’t advise the patient to give up on red wine if (s)he is already taking it (in moderation, obviously).

Prevents high blood pressure and stoke

Red wine can also reduce blood pressure by lowering stress. Stress can elevate your blood pressure levels, but a serving of red wine at night can help you relax.

A small glass of wine per day was also found to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke by 10 percent.

Reduces stress

Fruits and vegetables, and red wine, of course, relieve stress and also offer antioxidants that can be beneficial.

Improves bone strength

resveratrol positively affects the bone by stimulating formation or mineralization. The compound also has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent bone loss. It stimulates bone-forming cells in the body.

Reduces the risk of cataracts

Resveratrol might also reduce the risk of cataracts by increasing the levels of glutathione in your system.

As per other studies, grapes (and wine coming from them), green or red or black, can act as a magic bullet in the fight against cataracts.

Promotes liver health

Modest wine consumption was not only found to be safe for the liver, but it could even cut the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. On the contrary, intake of beer or liquor could increase the risk of the disease by four times.

May help prevent Alzheimer’s

Resveratrol in red wine was found to repair the leaky blood-brain barriers, allowing the blood from the body to enter the brain. This repair slows down the advancement of cognitive issues in Alzheimer’s patients.

Boost brain health

Though wine molecules don’t have taste or flavor, they stimulate the brain to create that sensation. 

Fights depression

As per research, 2 to 7 glasses of red wine a week might reduce depression. 

Improves sleep

The grapes red wine is made of are rich in melatonin, the very same compound that induces sleep in humans. The melatonin in red wine can regulate the circadian rhythm, thereby aiding sleep.

Enhances lung funtions

As per a report, resveratrol in red wine can mitigate the inflammatory process that occurs in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Prevents tooth decay

Studies have revealed that red wine can protect your teeth by preventing cavities. The wine can help remove bacteria from the teeth, which otherwise produce acid that damages the teeth over time.

Boosts level of Omega-3 fatty acids

We don’t have to tell you how important omega-3 fatty acids are. Moderate red wine intake can boost the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells.

Strengthens the immune system

Research has found that a daily glass of wine (red wine, in specific) can boost the immune system and help fight infections. And a glass or two of red wine can also help you beat those annoying colds.

How Does Red Wine Benefit The Skin?

Find here what are the benefits of red wine for your skin:

• Slow down aging and makes skin glow
• Fights acne
• Treats sunburn

Benefits of red wine for hair

Promotes thick hair: Drinking red wine is believed to improve circulation, ensuring adequate blood circulation to the scalp. This can reduce hair loss.

You can also rinse your hair with red wine. Post shampooing and using a conditioner and washing your hair, you can rinse with red wine.

How to drink wine in moderation

• Keep a log of your wine intake. This helps you know when you are drinking, and how much.
• Develop your own strategies for wine intake. Like having a glass of water in between two drinks.
• Or making sure you drink only with certain ‘responsible’ drink buddies. Resolve to stick to the limits, no matter what.