The health benefits of wine have a long history, even being considered the world’s oldest man-made medicine. With the development of modern medicine, however, using wine for health took a back seat until recent years. Wine has become more than just a drink to enjoy with dinner, friends, or a romantic evening. Today, people across the world are rediscovering the amazing health benefits of wine. Most of us have already heard about red wine health benefits for the heart. Let me assure you, though, there is so much more to learn!

 

I want to also point out, that we are talking about a moderate consumption of wine. As with most things, too much of anything is bad, especially alcohol. The American Heart Association defines a moderate amount as being one to two four-ounce glasses a day. One glass a day for women while (sorry ladies) two glasses a day is a moderate amount for men.

 

Read on to see how you can use the health benefits of wine. I’ll also give you my recommendations for the best wine for health.

 

 

 

Give Your Immune System a Boost

 

A simple glass of wine with dinner can help prevent and cure a common cold. Additionally, it can ward off other infections as well. Researchers believe this is due to the various antioxidants present in wine. These antioxidants fight free radicals, which assist in reducing inflammation and cold symptoms.

 

Prevent Brittle Bones

 

As we age, brittle bones can become a major health concern. Calcium has always been known to help keep our bones strong but studies continue to show silicon is another brittle bone fighter. Studies have found consuming a moderate amount of wine can reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis by increasing bone density. Another benefit, just as calcium helps to offer a more peaceful sleep, so does red wine!

 

Stroke Reduction

 

One of the leading causes of stroke is blood clots. Lucky for all you wine drinkers, it works as a natural blood thinner. in turn, reducing the likelihood of a blood clot. Red wine contains natural phenols which work similar to Asprin as a blood thinner. A study at Columbia University in 2006 concluded that people who drink a moderate amount of alcohol experience a 50 percent drop in blood-clot related stroke.

 

Healthy Heart

 

As I mentioned earlier, wine, especially red wine, offers many health benefits in regard to our hearts. Wine can not only prevent cardiovascular disease, but it also works to lower cholesterol. In a widely researched study, researchers found that blood vessel health improved in subjects who drank a glass of wine every day for three weeks. Drinking red wine will also increase the number of procyanidins, which will work to lower cholesterol. Additionally, it will lower bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol.

 

Lower Risk of Type II Diabetes

 

A major component in wine, resveratrol, has been proven to improve a person’s sensitivity to insulin. This, in turn, will lower the risk of getting type II diabetes in adults.  Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center conducted a study that found drinkers to have a 30 percent less risk of developing type II diabetes than nondrinkers.

 

Reduced Risk of Cancer

 

Harvard Medical School has been able to prove that one of the health benefits of wine is a lower chance of breast cancer in women. It also showed a lower risk of prostate cancer in men. Wine can also reduce the chances of colon cancer in adults as well. Antioxidants in wine have been shown to fight harmful free radicals that allow cancer cells to thrive and grow.

 

Improved Brain Function

 

Who knew that wine is actually food for the brain? Want to save the neurons in your brain from kicking the bucket? Enjoying a glass of wine, namely red wine, each day can help do just that! Red wine help lower the risks of dementia along with slowing the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. This includes diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers.

 

Well, it’s been said that wine is good for the soul! Now, we know that it is equally as good for the body as well. One glass of wine certainly will not cure all your ailments overnight. Over time, however, the health benefits of wine can make a world of difference for some. So, the next time you are torn on whether to drink a glass of wine or not, consider the health benefits. As with any alcohol, know your limits, drink in moderation, and never drink and drive.

 

Additional Health Benefits of Wine Facts

 

When consumed in moderation, wine can reduce the following conditions and diseases:

 

• Stony Brook University conducted a study that showed a 45 percent drop in the risk of developing colon cancer.
• Moderate drinkers of wine experience a 34 percent lower mortality rate than beer or spirits drinkers. This fact is according to a 2007 Finnish study published in Journals of Gerontology.
• Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that resveratrol activates a protein that acts as an anti-aging agent. The protein aids in promoting longevity.
• Scientists have noted a reduction in bacteria on the teeth. In fact, they recorded a complete breakdown of plaque producing bacteria after apply biofilm containing red wine!
• I mentioned how wine promotes blood vessel health. Well, that’s not only good news for your heart but your eyes too! The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found resveratrol in wine controls the growth of blood vessels the eyes. An Icelandic study published in Nature concluded that drinkers are 32 percent less likely to get cataracts.

 

 

Best White Wine Health Benefits

 

When it comes to antioxidants, white wine is a great option. Scientists at the University of Barcelona found that the phenols in white wine had equal to higher antioxidants than those in red wine. These antioxidants help to fight free radicals that compromise your health leading to diseases such as cancer. White wine is also most associated with weight loss, anti-aging, and a reduced risk of lung disease.  My favorite healthy white wines are those with fewer calories which include Pinot Grigio and Reisling.

 

Best Red Wine Health Benefits

 

There is a good reason why red wine gets all the credit for being healthy. Because red wine is processed with the skin (the skin is removed in white wine) a much higher level of antioxidants remains. Those bitter tannins resulting from the skin is where resveratrol is found. This is what makes red wine a powerful and effective health elixir. The best red wine health benefits include lower risk of heart disease and stroke, increased cognitive function, lower cholesterol, and reduced risk of developing diabetes. Our favorite healthy red wines include Pinot Noir and Merlot.

 

Cheers to Your Health!