8 Interesting Health Facts About Wine

Over the years, wine has undergone many intensive studies and researches. Not only is it a great way to unwind after a hectic day, but wine has also been proven to be an effective elixir. You’ve probably already heard that wine – particularly red wine – is good for your heart and overall health. However, have you wondered exactly how wine could improve your health?

Red wine is full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and lipid-regulating effects. These benefits can help prevent a wide array of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.

Here are a few ways regular and moderate consumption of wine can benefit your health.

1. Can Extend Life Span

Resveratrol is a polyphenol that comes from grape skin and red grape juice. It is a powerful antioxidant that is very potent in red wines. Antioxidants fight off the free radicals and oxidative stress in our body, which can cause harm to our organs and cells.

According to a study in 2000, men who consumed about 5 drinks of red wine per day had a longer life expectancy as compared to the occasional and heavy drinkers. Red wine is also a common addition to the Mediterranean diet, which is currently considered to be the healthiest eating pattern one can follow.

2. Can Help Depression

It is not uncommon for people to reach for alcohol when they’re feeling stressed, down, or depressed. This isn’t usually the best idea since alcohol can increase a person’s depression or anxiety. However, things are a bit different when it comes to wine. In fact, drinking a glass of wine per week can help manage the signs of clinical depression.

The benefits of wine were reported in a 2013 study. Among 5,505 people observed over a period of 7 years, the participants who drank an average of 2 to 7 glasses of wine per week had significantly lower levels of depression. It was also observed that people who drank heavily had a higher risk of depression.

3. Can Help Combat Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a harmful disease that can further increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancers. Therefore, it is necessary to keep your inflammation as low as possible. And the only way to do that is to control your diet, manage your stress, and exercise regularly. The compounds found in wine have anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, moderate consumption of this drink can help keep inflammation at bay.

4. Can Improve Cardiovascular Health

Moderate consumption of red wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. According to the researchers, the high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants in red wine can reduce your risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and metabolic disease – all of which contribute to improving your cardiovascular health.

It is also important to note that red wine does not affect blood pressure in people with normal blood pressure. However, it can interact with medications that lower blood pressure. So if you are on any blood pressure medications, it is necessary to consult your doctor before consuming wine regularly.

5. Can Regulate Blood Sugar

Resveratrol can also help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. A study in 2015 showed that drinking one glass of red wine with dinner every day had a moderate decrease in cardiometabolic risk in diabetic people. It was also observed that this moderate intake was generally safe for most people. It is believed that the ethanol content and the nonalcoholic ingredients in wine play a crucial role in metabolizing glucose levels in the blood. However, scientists need more evidence to confirm these findings.

6. Can Improve Skin Health

Wine contains high levels of antioxidants. When applied directly to the skin, it can inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria and aid in the maintenance of healthy skin. This happens because antioxidants increase skin elasticity, rejuvenate the skin, and maintain the brightness and glow of the skin.

Of course, this does not mean that you should start washing your face with red wine. Moderate consumption of wine can have similar benefits but at a less intense rate. It can also stimulate blood circulation that can prevent skin aging and wrinkle formation.

7. May Reduce Risk of Cancer

There are some researches that show that moderate consumption of wine can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. However, it is important to note that it can prevent the formation of cancer cells, but it cannot reverse the symptoms of cancer after they’re developed.

Another thing to keep in mind that wine can have adverse effects on heavy drinkers. This is because excess consumption of wine can create toxins in the body, which can further damage body tissues and cause oxidations – all of which can actually lead to the formation of cancer cells.

8. Can Boost Gut Health

According to a study in 2018, the polyphenol content in red wine and grapes can also improve gut microbiota. Some compounds in red wine may also serve as prebiotics, further boosting your healthy gut bacteria. However, the research on this aspect of wine is still limited. Scientists are trying to gather evidence to understand the true effects of wine on our gut health.

Final Words

While most of the benefits you get from wine can be obtained from healthier food sources such as vegetables, foods, and probiotic foods, a glass of wine on a regular basis only enhances these benefits. Plus, you get to enjoy wine. What more could one want?

Finally, please note that all of these benefits can be obtained through moderate consumption of wine – that is, 2 to 7 glasses per week. Excess consumption of wine causes adverse effects for almost all of the above benefits. So drink wine in moderation, and stay healthy!