We’re all doing the best we can to work through this global pandemic. It’s stressful, uncertain and fearful times in many regards. So if you need some reasons to feel even better about that after-work glass of wine — I’m not judging.
This is the post that may give you some cover (and feel free to share with our clique – you know who I’m talking about).
It helps to know that every year, even COVID-filled, we learn more and more about the positive health benefits of red wine.
And if your past 18-months have been anything like ours than this is the news you can use right now.
So let’s get started.
Wine has always been a staple in the human diet. In fact, the “world’s oldest wine” was found in 8,000-year-old jars in Georgia. Scientists said the pottery fragments revealed the earliest evidence of grape wine-making.
“Wine is central to civilisation as we know it in the West. As a medicine, social lubricant, mind-altering substance and highly valued commodity, wine became the focus of religious cults, pharmacopoeias, cuisines, economies and society in the ancient Near East.”
A lot of attention has been focused on the antioxidants, which means it has anti-aging and cancer preventative properties. There is a substance called reservatrol found in red wine that has gotten a lot of attention. It’s a polyphenolic compound also found in grapes, purple grape juice, peanuts, and some berries.
Scientists became interested in exploring potential health benefits of resveratrol because it seemed to be consistently connected with reductions in coronary heart disease risk and longevity.
So let’s find out some more of these wellness benefits, shall we?
Better Sleep
Neolithic jars 8,000-years-old revealed evidence of wine-making
Studies show that red wine can also improve the quality of your sleep. Red wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, and Merlot, contains melatonin. Melatonin regulates the body clock, so drinking a glass of red wine before bed may help you sleep. Melatonin is also an antioxidant, which means it also has anti-aging and cancer preventative properties.
Improve Brain Health
Resveratrol has been shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Support Heart Health
Red wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular disease thanks to the resveratrol and other antioxidants it contains.
Protect Against Lung Cancer
Researchers from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain found that each glass of red wine per day reduced the risk of lung cancer by 13%.
Protect Against Prostate Cancer
Red wine has been shown to reduce men’s overall risk of prostate cancer by 50% and the risk of the most aggressive forms of prostate cancer by 60%.
Protect Against Breast Cancer
Moderate consumption of red wine is believed to lower the risk of breast cancer. However, drinking more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per day appears to increase the risk of breast cancer in women, so moderation is key.
Lower Cholesterol
Resveratrol has been found in studies to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, while another ingredient in red wine, saponins, have cholesterol lowering properties as well. In addition, red wine has been shown to increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and protect against artery damage.
Increase Longevity
Many believe that reservatrol can add years to our life expectancy. It has been shown to increase lifespan in animal studies.
Prevent Colds
Researchers in Spain found that people who drank more than two glasses of red wine per day have 44% fewer colds than people who abstained.
Decrease Inflammation
Resveratrol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which helps overall physical health since many diseases and ailments can be attributed to inflammation.
Be Mindful of Drinking Too Much Alcohol
So there you have it. The next time you enjoy that calming glass of red wine find additional comfort in knowing that science is on your side.
While the news about red wine might sound great if you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol. That’s because too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body.
Moderation is key. So be mindful of drinking too much alcohol. You can lose the benefits mentioned above as excessive drinking has been linked to several conditions, including cancer. Men should drink no more than 2-3 glasses of red wine a day, and women should limit their consumption to 1-2 glasses a night.
More extensive research is needed and underway so stay tuned.
