Reasons You Should Start Drinking Red Wine
It’s been debated for a while whether red wine truly has health benefits to those who drink it daily (in moderation!). A lot of people believe that a glass each day is part of a healthy diet, but others tend to think that wine is simply overrated. So, what is the truth? What do we believe? Research done on the subject has proven time and time again that moderate red wine consumption can lower the risk of some diseases like heart disease. Still, the line between moderate and excessive intake is a fine one. In fact, the recommended amount is no more than 160ml of red wine – the amount of a champagne flute. Anything more than that can do more damage than good, undoing all those benefits people talk about. What exactly are those benefits?
Red Wine Contains Powerful Antioxidants
The most famous health benefit of red wine is the antioxidants it contains. It makes sense since grapes are rich in many different antioxidants. These include resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins. These are believed to be responsible for the health benefits of red wine overall. Proanthocyanidins might actually reduce oxidative damage within the body. Not to mention, it might help prevent heart disease and cancer. Resveratrol is found in grape skin. It’s produced in some plants as well, but it’s been linked to plenty of health benefits such as fighting inflammation and blood clotting. However, there is a rather low amount of this antioxidant in wine.
Red Wine Might Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease And Stroke
Those who drink the recommended amount of wine – approximately 150ml – every day can be about 32% lower risk in terms of heart disease and stroke. Still, a higher intake of wine can increase the risk of heart disease drastically.
Red Wine May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer And Dementia
Studies have found that drinking red wine in moderation is linked with a lower risk of several types of cancers. This includes colon, ovary, and prostate cancers. Additionally, drinking 1-3 glasses of wine a day has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia as well as Alzheimer’s disease.
Red Wine Could Help Reduce Insulin Resistance And The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes In Women
Drinking a couple of glasses of red wine a day – regular or dealcoholized – might help reduce insulin resistance. Aside from that, women who consumed a moderate amount of red wine have been found to be less at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The Takeaway
Yes, drinking red wine in moderation can help with all kinds of health issues and help prevent some illnesses. All the same, it’s important to note the keyword here: moderation. The amount of wine recommended refers to the total alcohol intake, not in addition to other alcohols. In other words, drink moderately or not at all. It’s best to be careful about alcohol consumption in general since it can lead to negative things like dependence and addiction, especially if there is a family history of alcoholism.
