You may have heard that a daily glass of red wine is good for you?
But is this actually true or just something that people say so that they can enjoy a guilt-free glass of vino?
Let’s take a closer look to see why is red wine good for you.
What are the health benefits of red wine?
An integral part of a Mediterranean diet, a glass of red wine with dinner is said to have a whole host of health benefits.
Red wine is rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that can help prevent cellular damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. Grapes used to make wine contain high levels of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant.
In terms of white wine vs. red wine, the red grape contains more antioxidants, making it a better choice for your health. In fact, research suggests that drinking red wine can reduce the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to its high antioxidant levels.
Red wine is an anti-inflammatory
If you suffer from chronic inflammation, you are more likely to develop health issues such as heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. However, as red wine has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to keep your heart healthy when consumed in moderation.
Red wine may lower blood pressure
Again, it is the high levels of polyphenols in red wine that can help to lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of high cholesterol and other metabolic diseases. This can also help to improve your heart health by opening your blood vessels to promote healthy blood flow and keep you fit and healthy for longer.
However, it is worth noting that some studies show that drinking a glass of red wine daily does not have an effect on people who already have normal or low blood pressure.
Red wine can help with weight management
If you struggle with your weight, then a daily glass of red wine may be just what you need to help you keep on track with your healthy eating regime.
Red wine contains resveratrol, which is the natural compound found in grape skins. The chemical compound piceatannol, which is converted from resveratrol, can help to reduce fat cells in the body.
Therefore, when combined with a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats, a glass of quality red wine from a retailer such as Sip & Say can help you to maintain a healthy weight.
Red wine may reduce the risk of depression
The number of people suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders has soared in the past few years due to the pandemic and other social and economic factors.
Fortunately, if you are struggling with your mental health, a daily glass of red wine may be able to help lift your mood and reduce your risk of depression.
That being said, excessive alcohol consumption can make mental health disorders worse, so you need to make sure you are staying within the weekly recommended intake for your gender.
Red wine can be good for the digestive system
Red wine has anti-bacterial properties, which can positively affect stomach irritations and other digestive disorders.
The consumption of wine has also shown to be promising in reducing the risk of getting an infection known as Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria typically found in the stomach.
Red wine can help to banish a cold
If you start to feel the tell-tale signs of a cold coming on, there are worse things you could do than pour yourself a glass of quality red wine. The antioxidants present in red wine can help to protect the body against free radicals, which can help to both prevent and treat the common cold.
Combine a daily glass of red wine with vitamin c rich foods and lots of rest, and you will feel better in no time.
Red wine keeps you mentally focused
As well as all the positive effects that red wine can have on your body, this popular beverage is also good for your mind. This is due to the resveratrol present in red wine, which inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid protein, a key ingredient in the plaque on the brains of people who have Alzheimer’s.
Of course, a few too many red wines will have the opposite effect, making you lose concentration, focus, and mental clarity, so be sure to only indulge in one glass a day!
How much wine should you drink?
When it comes to how much red wine is good for you and how much will have a negative effect on your physical and mental health, take a look at the recommended guidelines below.
For men, 1-2 glasses per day, and for women, 1-1.5 glasses per day. It is worth noting that this is not just for wine but for your total drinking limit for the day. It is also recommended that you have some days when you don’t drink any alcohol as this is shown to have positive effects on the body and can help prevent you from becoming reliant or even addicted to alcohol.
That being said, there are many other ways to enjoy red wine apart from drinking a daily glass or two. For example, adding it to a pasta sauce or using it to make a red sauce for pouring over a steak.
If you love wine, a daily glass of red can work wonders for your health. As well as the above physical and mental benefits, this beverage has also been used to treat headaches, aid sleep, and reduce your daily calorie intake.
So, how many more reasons do you need to indulge in your love of fine wine?
Order yourself a bottle or two of your favorite red wine today and start reaping the health benefits as early as tomorrow. Go on; you know you deserve it!
